Homemade Jammie Dodgers

Make the United Kingdom's favourite cookie at home, using your prefered flavour of jam. These iconic shortbread cookies are filled with jam and a thin layer of buttercream. 

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I have heard of Jammie Dodgers before, but never really knew what they were. I was happily surprised to see that they are a VERY popular cookie in the U.K. They remind me of cookies my Mom use to make when we were little, so I knew I wanted to try a homemade version since they aren't readily available here in Canada.

These Jammie Dodgers have buttercream frosting and jam, sandwiched between two sugary shortbread cookies. Absolutely fabulous!! Not only are they super pretty, they are crazy delicious. The kids inhaled a few, after I made these.... OK, so did I, LOL. My parents were coming to visit, so I knew these would be a perfect treat for my Dad, who has always had a sweet tooth like me. These cookies would be perfect for Christmas, or even Valentines Day, by changing up the inner cut out shape.

Why are these cookies called Jammie Dodgers?

These iconic cookies are named after Rodger Dodger, a character featured in The Beano comics and have been produced in the UK for over 60 years. The comic first made an appearance in 1953, with Rodger dodging homework, which lent him the nickname Rodger Dodger.

What jam is used in Jammie Dodgers?

Jammie Dodgers are typically filled with strawberry or raspberry jam. However, any good quality flavour of jam can be used. There are even caramel versions appearing in the UK.

What Ingredients do I need to make Jammie Dodgers?

These cookies are quite simple to make and use everyday pantry ingredients such as

• flour- use regular all-purpose flour
• butter- unsalted butter is best. I do not recommend using margarine
• vanilla- clear vanilla will ensure the cookies stay lighter.
• sugar- I used granulated white sugar, but coconut sugar would also work well
• eggs- large pasteurized eggs
• baking powder- used as a leavening agent to make the cookies tender
• powdered sugar- used in the buttercream frosting
• jam- strawberry is the preferred flavour, but any flavour of good quality jam will do

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Equipment needed for this recipe

• baking sheets
• parchment paper
• mixing bowls
• mixer
• measuring cups
• measuring spoons
• flour sifter, or fine mesh strainer
• rolling pin
• round cookie cutter (2 inch)
• small flower, heart or round cutter
• small pallet knife

Jammie Dodgers

1 C butter, at room temperature
2/3 C sugar
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla
3 C flour
1 tsp baking powder

filling:
1/4 c butter
1/2-3/4 C powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla
strawberry jam

In a mixing bowl, cream 1 C butter with 2/3C of sugar. Add in the egg and vanilla; beat until fluffy. Sift in the flour, 1 C at a time, adding the baking powder to the first sift. Knead ingredients together until a soft and smooth dough forms. Wrap dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hr.

In a separate bowl, cream the remaining butter. Add in powdered sugar, 1/4 C at a time; stopping at a half cup. Beat in the vanilla, until frosting is smooth. If the frosting is too loose, add in remaining 1/4 C powdered sugar. Set aside.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Working with a third of the dough at a time, roll it out onto a lightly floured surface, to 1/2 of an inch thick. Using a 2 inch round cutter, cut dough and place onto a baking sheet. Using a small flower, or heart cutter, make a decorative hole in half of the circles. Once the baking tray is full, place it in the freezer for 5 minutes. Remove from freezer and bake for 10-12 minutes; until dough just begins to brown slightly around the edges. Loosen cookies from the baking sheet using a thin spatula. Let cool slightly before removing to a wire rack. Cool completely.

Once cookies are cooled, spread a thin layer of buttercream over all the cookies that do no have a hole. Spread 1/2 tsp of jam over the buttercream and place a second cookie, with a decorative hole over top, so that the jam is showing through. Press lightly.