Soft Jam Shortbread Bars (and Summer Beauty Must Haves!)
We’re going to get all up in these soft jam shortbread bars, because… well, why not? They’re buttery, seriously soft, and 100% adaptable for whatever summer jam you have on hand. But first, we’re going to talk summer beauty! I’m going to share a few of my absolute favorite products of the season. Let’s dive in!
Summer Beauty Must-Haves
1. Beis Travel Cosmetic Case : This makeup case is near-perfect. It’s completely packable, washable, and comes in a variety of colors.
2. Tarte Waterproof Eyeliner and Shadow : This waterproof liner and shadow duo comes in a number of compatible colors that won’t smudge in the summer sun!
3. Matrix Brass Off Shampoo : Brunette girlies, rejoice! Summer brass doesn’t stand a chance with this blue shampoo.
4. Kosas Blush : This blendable powder blush brightens skin with hyaluronic acid and comes in a number of twisted shades.
5. Olaplex Hair Treatment : Pool time means hair mask time, and this one from Olaplex is great for summer-damaged hair.
6. Becca Pressed Highlighter : This award-winning highlighter from Becca is undefeated in my book. Try the shade “Champagne Pop”!
7. Merit Lip Oil : This lip oil feels SO GOOD and keeps you lips dewy without all the stick.
8. Saie Tinted Moisturuizer with SPF : I’ve tried ever tinted moisturizer under the sun, and this one is my flavor of the week.
9. Naturium Azelaic Acid : This is my seasonal go-to for combating sun spots and fine lines.
10. Loved01 Hand Wash : Sea Buckthorn smells like summer in a bottle. Enjoy it all summer long in this gentle hand wash.
Soft Jam Shortbread Bars
Ok, on to the main event: soft jam shortbread bars.
It’s common knowledge that my love of shortbread is deep. Last year, my Ted Lasso-inspired shortbread quickly became my go-to of the season. So when it came time to make use of the jars of summer jam that were stacking up in my fridge, I knew shortbread was the ticket. “What if there was a go-to dough that would welcome any jam I decided to fill it with?” I soon found out that the possibilities were deliciously endless.
Making the Bars
These soft jam shortbread bars are made with unsalted butter, powdered sugar, and brown sugar. Together, with an egg and a few humble dry ingredients, the dough comes together in a wet crumbly mixture. Just over half of the prepared dough gets patted out in a prepared pan before we spread out the jam of your choice. And literally, the world is your oyster. My first batch, I combined two remnant jars of jelly, one rhubarb and one blueberry lemon, and it created a delightful sweetened filling that paired perfectly with the shortbread. Once the jam has been spread, we crumble the remaining dough on top using wet fingers and allow it all to bake up until bubble and barely browned.
What to Serve with Jam Shortbread Bars
I’ll be honest- these bars are 100% delicious on their own. But if you’re looking for some perfect pairing, I’d encourage trying these with a bowl of vanilla ice cream, a cup of coffee, or a chilled glass of bubbly. These bars keep for days and are best sealed at room temperature. Give this recipe a try this week and let me know what you think! Oh, and tell me all about YOUR summer beauty faves- I’m dying to hear more. Happy Baking!
If You Like these Soft Jam Shortbread Bars You Should Try:
Ted Lasso Shortbread Bars
Shortbread Cookies
Brownie Shortbread Bars
Blueberry Lemon Bars
Jam Filled Scones
Soft Jam Shortbread Bars
These soft jam shortbread bars can be filled with the jam, jelly, or preserves of your choice!
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 40
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 16-24, Depending on Size Cut
- Category: Dessert
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1–1/4 cup powdered sugar
- ¼ cup light brown sugar packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest, optional
- 1–3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ½ heaping cup of jam, preserves, or jelly of your choice
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit and line an 8” square pan with foil. Lightly grease it with cooking spray and set aside.
- In a large bowl cream together the butter, powdered sugar, and brown sugar, beating on medium until smooth. Add the egg and lemon zest and stir on low to combine. Scrape the sides of the bowl, and add the flour and salt, stirring on low until the mixture barely comes together into moist clumps. Do not overmix. Reserve 1/3 cup of batter and dump the remaining mixture into the prepared pans. Use barely moistened fingertips to pat out the dough and spread the jam over the dough. Use moistened fingers to break ¼” bits of dough to sprinkle onto the jam. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes (it took mine 38 minutes) or until the edges are set and the top is barely beginning to turn brown. Allow to cool completely prior to cutting and serving.
Soft Jam Shortbread Bars (and Summer Beauty Must Haves!) Read More »
