Jam Tarts Recipe

These Jam Tarts are classic, buttery, and filled with sweet jam, making them a perfect treat for tea time or dessert. With a crisp pastry shell and a fruity filling, they are easy to make and fun to customize with different jam flavors.

Ingredients

For the Pastry:

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1 large egg yolk
• 2 tablespoons cold water
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Filling:

• 1/2 cup fruit jam (strawberry, raspberry, apricot, or your choice)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for a tangy kick)

For Garnish (Optional):

• Powdered sugar for dusting
• Fresh berries or mint leaves

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Pastry Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt.
2. Add the cold butter cubes and rub them into the flour using your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Stir in the egg yolk, vanilla extract, and cold water.
4. Mix until a dough forms. If the dough is too dry, add a teaspoon of water at a time.
5. Shape the dough into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Step 2: Roll and Cut the Dough

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Lightly flour a clean surface and roll out the dough to 1/8-inch thickness.
3. Use a round cookie cutter (or a glass) to cut out circles slightly larger than your tart tin or muffin pan cups.
4. Press each pastry round into the cups of a greased tart tin or muffin pan.

Step 3: Fill and Bake

1. Spoon about 1 teaspoon of jam into each pastry shell, filling them about 3/4 full.
2. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown.
3. Let the tarts cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

1. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
2. Garnish with fresh berries or mint leaves for an extra touch.
3. Serve warm or at room temperature with tea or coffee.

Storage Tips

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Refrigeration: Keep in the fridge for up to a week.
• Freezing: Freeze unfilled tart shells for up to 2 months. Thaw and bake as needed.

Conclusion

These Jam Tarts are simple yet delicious, with a flaky crust and sweet fruit filling. Perfect for any occasion, they can be made with your favorite jam flavors for a personalized treat. Enjoy!