If you are looking for a delightful treat that brings together the perfect balance of fruity sweetness and crunchy nuttiness, you must try Mom’s Apricot Jammies – A Sweet and Nutty Treat Recipe. These charming jam-filled bars are a nostalgic nod to homemade desserts, baked to golden perfection with a tender buttery base and a luscious apricot jam center. Each bite melts into a harmonious blend of flavors and textures, making it impossible not to reach for another. Whether you’re sharing with loved ones or simply indulging yourself, Mom’s Apricot Jammies – A Sweet and Nutty Treat Recipe is destined to become a treasured favorite in your baking repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to making Mom’s Apricot Jammies. Each element is simple but plays an essential role: from the creamy butter that enriches the dough to the vibrant apricot jam that lends the perfect burst of fruity goodness. Let’s dive into what makes this recipe so special through its bright and wholesome ingredients.
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened): Provides a rich, creamy texture that forms the tender crumb of the bars.
- ¾ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough evenly, balancing the tartness of apricot jam.
- 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients together while adding moisture for a soft bite.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a warm, inviting aroma and enhances all the flavors.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base of the dough, creating structure without heaviness.
- ½ teaspoon baking powder: Gives a slight lift, ensuring the bars are light and not dense.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enriches the overall flavor.
- 1 cup finely chopped walnuts: Offers a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with apricot.
- ¾ cup apricot jam: The star of the show, providing natural sweetness and a fruity center.
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional): For a pretty finishing touch that also adds subtle sweetness.
How to Make Mom’s Apricot Jammies – A Sweet and Nutty Treat Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Cream the Base
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. In a large mixing bowl, vigorously cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is fluffy and light – this step is crucial for that melt-in-your-mouth texture we love in Mom’s Apricot Jammies – A Sweet and Nutty Treat Recipe.
Step 2: Add Egg and Flavor
Next, beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated. This adds moisture and that classic comforting aroma you’ll find irresistible the moment they’re baking.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures your baking powder is evenly distributed, giving your bars a tender crumb with just the right lift.
Step 4: Mix Dough and Nuts
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing until a soft, pliable dough forms. Stir in the finely chopped walnuts, which add that unmistakable crunch and nutty depth to every bite of Mom’s Apricot Jammies – A Sweet and Nutty Treat Recipe.
Step 5: Shape and Fill
Divide the dough into two equal parts and roll each into a log about 12 inches long. Place these logs on your prepared baking sheet, then use your thumb or the back of a spoon to carefully create a groove down the center of each. Fill this groove generously with apricot jam, spreading it evenly so every slice will have that luscious, fruity heart.
Step 6: Bake and Slice
Bake the logs for 20 to 25 minutes, until the edges turn a beautiful golden color. Once out of the oven, let the logs cool for 5 minutes, then slice diagonally into 1-inch bars while still warm to prevent cracking. Allow them to cool completely on a wire rack, then dust with powdered sugar if you like for that extra touch of sweetness.
How to Serve Mom’s Apricot Jammies – A Sweet and Nutty Treat Recipe
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a few crushed walnuts on top to enhance the visual appeal and elevate the nutty notes. A thin drizzle of melted white chocolate also complements the apricot jam beautifully, turning these simple bars into an elegant dessert option.
Side Dishes
Mom’s Apricot Jammies pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent treat. They also make for a perfect companion to your afternoon cup of tea or freshly brewed coffee, bringing cozy vibes to any snack time.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings or gift-giving, arrange the bars on a pretty platter lined with doilies and garnish with edible flowers for a charming look. Alternatively, wrap individual bars in parchment paper tied with rustic twine for a homemade feel that everyone will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After baking, keep your Mom’s Apricot Jammies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This helps maintain their tender texture while keeping the apricot jam bright and flavorful.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these bars later, freeze them by wrapping each bar individually in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe container. They keep well for up to three months, so you always have a sweet and nutty treat on hand.
Reheating
To enjoy these bars warm, simply thaw them at room temperature and pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes. This refreshes the buttery texture and slightly softens the jam, bringing back that just-baked magic of Mom’s Apricot Jammies – A Sweet and Nutty Treat Recipe.
FAQs
Can I use other nuts besides walnuts?
Absolutely! Pecans or almonds work wonderfully and provide a different but equally delicious crunch. Just make sure to chop them finely for the best texture.
Is it possible to substitute the apricot jam with another flavor?
Yes, raspberry or strawberry jam are fantastic alternatives. Each adds its own unique sweetness and complements the nutty dough beautifully.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before shaping and baking. Just bring it to room temperature slightly before rolling out to make handling easier.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
Look for lightly golden edges and a firm, set dough. The apricot jam should be bubbly but not burnt.
Are Mom’s Apricot Jammies suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, the recipe uses no meat or animal-derived gelatin, making it a perfect vegetarian dessert option.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a dessert that feels like a warm hug from the past, give Mom’s Apricot Jammies – A Sweet and Nutty Treat Recipe a try. It’s a beautiful blend of simple ingredients coming together to create something truly special. Once you’ve made this recipe, you’ll understand why it holds a dear place in so many hearts – and it might just become your new favorite treat to whip up over and over again.
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Mom’s Apricot Jammies – A Sweet and Nutty Treat Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Mom’s Apricot Jammies are delightful sweet and nutty bars featuring a buttery, soft dough studded with chopped walnuts and filled with luscious apricot jam. These classic American dessert bars are perfect for holiday gifting or an everyday treat, combining a tender crumb with a fruity, jammy center and a light dusting of powdered sugar.
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup finely chopped walnuts
For the Filling and Finishing
- ¾ cup apricot jam
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and facilitate easy cleanup.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and creamy, which helps create a tender texture.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the large egg and vanilla extract until fully combined to enrich the dough with flavor and moisture.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and seasoning.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing gently until a soft dough forms, ensuring not to overwork it to maintain tenderness.
- Incorporate Walnuts: Stir the finely chopped walnuts into the dough to add crunch and a nutty flavor throughout.
- Shape Dough Logs: Divide the dough into two halves; shape each half into a 12-inch-long log and place both logs on the lined baking sheet, spaced evenly.
- Create Groove and Fill with Jam: Using your thumb or the back of a spoon, press a deep groove down the center lengthwise on each dough log, then spoon apricot jam into the groove evenly, ensuring good coverage.
- Bake: Bake the logs in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the edges turn lightly golden and the dough is set.
- Cool Slightly and Slice: Remove from the oven, let cool for 5 minutes to firm up slightly, then slice the logs diagonally into 1-inch-wide bars while still warm to prevent cracking.
- Cool Completely and Finish: Transfer the bars to a wire rack to cool completely, then optionally dust with powdered sugar before serving for an elegant finish.
Notes
- You can substitute the apricot jam with raspberry or strawberry jam for a different fruity flavor profile.
- These bars freeze exceptionally well, making them a convenient treat to prepare ahead of time.
- They are an excellent choice for holiday gifting due to their festive look and delicious taste.
