Jam “Jewel” Cookies

If you’re looking for a simple, customizable, crowd-pleasing treat for the holidays, sparkling gem-colored jewel cookies should be on your list!

My favorite thing about Christmastime is all the glittering lights (aside from the family and food, of course). During the darkest time of the year, they sparkle with hope and cheerfulness. So, while I take my tree down before the New Year, the lights stay up until winter is over. These precious little jewel cookies are an homage to the power of light and color in the darkness! 

Buttery little bites of shortbread are wrapped in shiny, colorful foil wrappers and filled with the bright taste of summer fruit preserves for a cookie that looks almost too pretty to eat. And, in the spirit of holiday giving, this batch makes a generous 40 cookies, making it perfect for cookie platters and little goodie bags for friends. Best of all, these adorable little nuggets are made with just a handful of pantry basics—only seven, to be exact.

Equipment needed: mini muffin tin, mini muffin wrappers (preferably multicolored metallic foil)