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Split Second Cookies

Split-Second Cookies are buttery shortbread cookies filled with jam. They’re called split-second cookies because they’re very easy and super quick to make. The dough is ready in minutes, and you don’t have to chill it. You can use any flavor jam you like to fill them, and the baked cookies are freezer-friendly.

Split second cookies on a white plate.


 

With a name like “split second,” you know these shortbread cookies must be easy to make. And they are – they’re a cookie recipe I’ve been making for years because they really are so simple.

They’re a type of shortbread, and the best part is that you don’t have to chill the dough. It’s an easy mix-and-bake recipe. The dough is formed into logs, and you fill them with jam before baking. Once they’re done, you slice the logs into cookies. They’re like thumbprint cookies, but instead of round, they are cut on a diagonal giving them a pretty shape.

These split second cookies are a great anytime cookie, but with a festive raspberry or strawberry jam, they are great for Christmas, too. Plus, you can freeze them if you want to stock your freezer with delicious, easy cookies.

The buttery texture of the cookies with the sweet and bright jam filling is such a great match. If you are making a holiday cookie plate or just want a fantastic cookie recipe, you need to try them.

3 split second cookies on a white plate.

Ingredients

  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking powder
  • Salt
  • Softened butter
  • Granulated sugar
  • Large egg
  • Vanilla
  • Jam

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a large cookie sheet with parchment paper.

Whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. Set the dry flour mixture aside.

Whisked dry ingredients in a silver bowl.

In a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer with a paddle attachment, beat the butter and sugar for three to four minutes. Add the egg and vanilla and beat the mixture for one minute. Scrape the sides of the bowl as needed.

Butter creamed and eggs added.

Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture and beat at low speed until the dough forms. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured work surface or cutting board and form it into a ball. 

The split second dough mixed.

Divide the ball in half and roll each into a log approximately ten inches (25cm) long. Place the logs of dough on the prepared baking sheet.

The dough divided and formed into 2 logs.

Make an indentation down the center of each log. Fill the indentation with jam.

Logs with an indentation and filled with jam.

Bake the filled logs for 15 to 20 minutes. They are done when the bottom edges are light golden brown.

The baked split second logs.

Cool the cookie logs for five to ten minutes on the trays and then cut them into 1/2 to 3/4 inch diagonal slices. Place the cookies on a wire rack to cool completely before serving.

The logs sliced and placed on a wire rack to cool.

Recipe Tips

For the jam, use your favorite flavor. Or, you can use pie filling or another fruit filling or of course like me a little Nutella.

Once the cookies are cool, store them in an airtight container. They will keep well for three to five days at room temperature.

Or you can freeze them for up to two months.

I love these cookies with their jammy center. They might take a little longer than a split second, but they’re definitely an easy cookie to make. Enjoy!

3 split second cookies on a white plate.

More Delicious Recipes

3 split second cookies on a white plate.

Split Second Cookies

Rosemary Molloy
Split-Second Cookies are buttery shortbread cookies filled with jam and they're very easy to make. The no-chill cookie dough is ready in minutes.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Dessert, Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 32 cookies
Calories 99 kcal

Ingredients
 
 

  • cups all purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 pinch salt*
  • cup butter (softened)
  • cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg (room temperature)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla

If using unsalted butter then add ¼ teaspoon of salt.

EXTRAS

  • ½-⅔ cup jam of choice, Nutella or pie filling (or a mixture)

Instructions
 

  • Pre-heat oven to 350F (180C). Line a large cookie sheet with parchment paper.
  • In a medium bow whisk together the flour, baking powder and salt. Set aside.
  • In a large bowl or stand up mixer beat the butter and sugar for 3-4 minutes. Add the egg and vanilla and beat to combine, approximately 1 minute.
  • Add the whisked ingredients to the creamed mixture and beat on low just to combine. Move the dough to a lightly floured flat surface, form into a ball, divide into 2 parts. Roll each part into a log approximately 10 inches (25cm) long. Place each log on the prepared cookie sheet.
  • Make an indentation down the centre, lengthwise of each log, using either a spoon or your thumb. Fill the indentation with the jam, Nutella or even pie or fruit filling. Bake for approximately 15-20 minutes. The logs are done when the bottom of the log starts to turn a light golden. Remove from the oven, let sit 5-10 minutes. then cut with a sharp knife about ½-¾ inch (1 cm) diagonal slices. Move to a wire rack to cool completely before serving. Enjoy!

Video

Notes

Store the cooled cookies in an air tight container at room temperate for up to 3-5 days.
They can also be frozen in a freezer safe container, for up to 2 months. Separate the layers with parchment paper.
 

Nutrition

Calories: 99kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 16mg | Sodium: 39mg | Potassium: 23mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 127IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 7mg | Iron: 1mg
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12 Comments

  1. So easy, so delicious, so gormet!! I make a little drizzle with milk and confectionery sugar (add when cookies are cool). For Christmas before it dries, I add some red and green sprinkles or jimmies!! I love to bring these cookies to dinner parties and get togethers!

  2. 5 stars
    Iโ€™ve made these so many times when I need a quick cookie. I usually use raspberry or apricot jam.
    I have some in the oven right now , filled with fig jam spiced with cinnamon, cloves, and allspice! I wanted to also add some chopped pistachios but I was out.
    I brushed the dough with a tiny bit of water and sprinkled the whole thing with nonpareils before going in the oven.
    They are so beautiful and delicious!!! Adding to my Christmas cookie gifts!!

  3. 5 stars
    I used purchased chestnut paste instead of the jam and added a cup of toasted, chopped chestnuts to the recipe. I now have a new traditional holiday cookie for my collection. Chestnuts are part of my Italian family tradition and I love to add them to holiday recipes from fruit cakes to dressing for the goose.

  4. 5 stars
    Fantastico deliziosi grazie buon natale pace e salute molto buoni ho fatto piu’ piccoli con nutella belli buoni grazie

5 from 12 votes (7 ratings without comment)

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