Choose a thick preserve and keep the spoonful level; excess jam bubbles over the cookie rim.
Small buttery rounds hold a vivid blackcurrant jam center, with a brief second bake to set the filling without overbrowning the edges.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Blackcurrant Jam-Dimple Shortbread Buttons Recipe
Follow the tray sizes, portions and baking intervals in the instructions below.
Total time includes hands-on preparation, required chilling or resting, whole-batch cooking, cooling and finishing.
Kitchen tools you’ll need
- mixer
- measuring spoon
- baking sheets
- parchment
Ingredients
US measures are approximate. Gram weights help keep portions consistent; spice weights vary with density.
Instructions
Prepare the ingredients
- Prepare the ingredients: Mix butter, sugar, flour and salt into a smooth dough.
Shape the cookies
- Shape the cookies: Roll 24 one-inch balls and arrange on lined sheets.
Chill the dough
- Chill the dough: Press a deep dimple into each with a rounded measuring spoon; chill 20 minutes.
Bake and set
- Bake and set: Bake at 325°F (165°C) for 12 minutes.
Bake and set
- Bake and set: Re-press any shallow wells, fill each with 1/2 teaspoon preserves and bake 5–7 minutes more.
Cool and finish
- Cool and finish: Cool fully on the sheet.
Chef’s Science & Pro Tips
Ingredient science
Make the well deep but leave enough dough beneath it to prevent the base from cracking.
Technique & texture
The two-stage bake lets the shortbread set before the fruit is added.
Finishing & serving
Let the jam cool fully before stacking the buttons.
Storage and make-ahead
| Method | How long | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Room temperature | up to 4 days | Airtight at room temperature up to 4 days. keep in a single layer if possible. |
| Refrigeration | As described | Refrigerate up to 1 week in warm weather. bring to room temperature before serving. |
| Raw freezing | up to 1 month | Freeze unfilled dough balls up to 1 month. thaw, dimple and bake. |
| Baked freezing | up to 1 month | Freeze baked cookies up to 1 month in a rigid container. |
| Restoring | As described | Thaw uncovered. the jam center may remain slightly tacky. |
Notes
- Scale ingredients, including US measures, without changing cookie size or oven temperature. Extra trays increase whole-batch time.
Nutrition
Approximate values per portion from the listed ingredient weights divided into 24 equal portions. Includes required fillings and finishes. Brands, unused coatings and actual portion size affect the estimate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can another jam be used?
A thick seedless raspberry or sour cherry preserve works with the same measured amount.
Why did the wells close up?
Press them again as soon as the first bake ends, while the dough is still warm.
Can I fill the cookies before baking?
The staged method helps prevent thin jam from boiling over during the full bake.
