Homemade Jammy Dodgers: A Classic British Biscuit Recipe

Ingredients

200g unsalted butter, at room temperature
100g icing sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
300g plain flour
100g raspberry jam
50g icing sugar, for dusting

Steps and instructions

Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C for fan ovens) and line two baking trays with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, cream together the butter and icing sugar until it's light and fluffy.
Add the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt, mixing well.
Gradually add the flour, mixing until the dough comes together.
Split the dough in half, wrapping each piece in clingfilm. Chill for at least one hour.
Once chilled, roll out one piece of dough to about 3mm thickness.
Using a round cookie cutter, cut out an even number of circles and place them onto the lined baking trays.
Repeat the process with the other piece of dough, but this time use a smaller cutter to remove a circle from the middle of each biscuit, creating a 'dodger' effect.
Bake the biscuits in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until lightly golden brown.
Allow the biscuits to cool on the trays for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Once cool, spread a teaspoon of raspberry jam onto the full circle biscuits, then place a 'dodger' biscuit on top.
Sift over some icing sugar to finish, then enjoy your homemade Jammy Dodgers!

Tools for making

Mixing Bowl - A large bowl to mix the ingredients.
Electric Mixer - Optional, but helpful for creaming the butter and sugar together.
Measuring Scale - To accurately measure the ingredients by weight.
Spatula - For scraping the sides of the bowl and mixing the dough.
Rolling Pin - Used to roll out the dough to the desired thickness.
Round Cookie Cutter - To cut out the biscuit shapes.
Smaller Cookie Cutter - A smaller round cutter to create the 'dodger' effect.
Baking Trays - Two baking trays to place the biscuits on.
Parchment Paper - To line the baking trays and prevent sticking.
Clingfilm - To wrap and chill the dough.
Wire Rack - A rack to cool the baked biscuits on.
Sifter - To sift icing sugar over the finished biscuits.

Recipe variations

Use whole wheat flour instead of plain flour for a nuttier flavor.
Replace the raspberry jam with strawberry, blackberry, or any other favorite fruit jam.
Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the dough for a citrus twist.
Sprinkle some ground cinnamon or nutmeg into the dough for a spiced variation.
Add a handful of chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the dough for added texture.
Make a savory version by omitting the icing sugar and jam, and instead fill the biscuits with cream cheese, pesto, or your favorite savory spread.
Create a gluten-free version by using a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour.
For a vegan option, substitute the butter with vegan butter or coconut oil, and use a vegan-friendly jam.
Experiment with different shapes for the biscuits, such as hearts or stars.
Dip the biscuits in melted chocolate for an indulgent twist.

Recipe overview

Experience the joy of baking traditional British biscuits with this mouth-watering Jammy Dodgers recipe. These delectable treats comprise of two shortbread biscuits sandwiched together with a sweet raspberry jam filling, complete with a cute 'heart' or 'circle' on top. Expect to create biscuits that are crumbly, buttery, and filled with a burst of fruity flavor. They are an absolute hit at tea parties or as a comforting treat with your hot beverage of choice. Whether you're new to baking or a seasoned pro, this recipe is straightforward and will guide you through each step. Enjoy the process and the end result - a batch of irresistible Jammy Dodgers!

Common questions

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter? It's recommended to use unsalted butter in this recipe to have better control over the saltiness of the biscuits. However, if you only have salted butter, you can still use it, just omit the additional pinch of salt in the recipe.
Can I use a different flavor of jam? Absolutely! While traditional Jammy Dodgers use raspberry jam, you can experiment with different flavors such as strawberry, blackberry, or even apricot jam.
Can I substitute the icing sugar with regular granulated sugar? Icing sugar, also known as powdered sugar, is used in this recipe to achieve a smoother texture. It is not recommended to substitute it with granulated sugar as it will affect the texture and consistency of the biscuits.
How long can I store the Jammy Dodgers? These biscuits can be stored in an airtight container for up to 5-7 days. However, it's best to consume them within the first few days to enjoy their freshness.
Can I freeze the dough? Yes, the dough can be frozen for future use. Wrap it tightly in clingfilm or place it in an airtight container before freezing. When ready to use, thaw the dough in the refrigerator overnight before rolling and baking.

Serving dishes and utensils

Rolling pin - Used to roll out the dough to the desired thickness.
Round cookie cutter - Used to cut out the biscuit dough into circles.
Smaller cookie cutter - Used to create the 'dodger' effect by cutting out a smaller circle from the center of some biscuits.
Baking trays - Used to bake the biscuits in the oven.
Parchment paper - Placed on the baking trays to prevent the biscuits from sticking and make clean-up easier.
Clingfilm - Used to wrap and chill the dough before rolling it out.
Wire rack - Used to cool the baked biscuits and allow air circulation.
Sifter - Used to sift icing sugar over the finished biscuits for a decorative touch.

Origin stories

Jammy Dodgers are a beloved biscuit in the United Kingdom, so much so that they're often referred to as "Britain's most popular children's biscuit". The first Dodger was baked by the Burton's Biscuit Company in Wales during the 1950s, and they've been a staple in British households ever since. The name "Jammy Dodgers" is thought to be inspired by the Beano comic character, "Roger the Dodger". Interestingly, the biscuit had a brief name change in the 1990s to "Jam'n'Cream", but due to popular demand, the original name was reinstated. Today, these delightful jam-filled treats continue to be a nostalgic favourite, often enjoyed with a cup of tea.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.