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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Make an indentation down the center of each log. Fill the indentation with jam.
Bake the filled logs for 15 to 20 minutes. They are done when the bottom edges are light golden brown.
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.
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!
More Delicious Recipes
Split Second Cookies
Ingredients
- 2¼ cups all purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 pinch salt*
- ⅔ cup butter (softened)
- ⅔ 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
Nutrition
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Hi Rosemary, we’re having a real winter here in NJ with consistent frigid temps and a lot of snow and ice! What better way to spend your time than baking….I made these the other day, gave some to my neighbors, and she made them yesterday. I gave some to my sister and she wants the recipe. They’re a simple recipe and super easy. I just took out the butter and egg to make a second batch today! I love your recipes! Thanks
Hi Marianne, I know I have heard how cold it is, my daughter is close to Toronto and there is so much snow she says it won’t stop! Thanks so much so glad you, your neighbour and your sister enjoyed them. Take care and stay warm!
Hi Rosemary, Marianne here again! This time with a question. The first batch I made, the dough was on the dry and flaky side, and it took some work to get it to form a ball. Yesterday I made a second batch and I don’t know what I did differently (maybe a little less sugar?) but it came together much easier. They also spread a little more. Any ideas? Should the dough be on the drier side? I’d say batch 2 was a tiny bit denser in texture, too. Also, I measure my dry ingredients using metric and a digital scale. Thanks! They’re still delicious 🙂
Hi Marianne, the dough should be soft but not wet. If it’s too dry add a bit more butter, could be you added less sugar. To keep it from spreading, chill the dough before shaping into a log for about 30 minutes then chill the cookies before baking 15-20 minutes, while the oven is pre-heating. I hope that helps. Let me know. Take care!
Grazie, Rosemary! I’ll let you know. Buon Weekend!
Hi Marianne, thanks you too!
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!
Hi Cheryl, thanks so much, so glad you enjoyed them. Great idea with the sugar and sprinkles. Take care!
I’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!!
Hi Joan, thanks so much, so glad you like them, the ones in the oven sound amazing. Take care and Merry Christmas!
I just made these today to give to our neighbors. They came out so good! Thanks Rosemary!!
Hi Lucy, thanks so much, so glad you liked the cookies. Merry Christmas!
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.
Hi D that’s a great idea, I bet they taste amazing. Take care!
Fantastico deliziosi grazie buon natale pace e salute molto buoni ho fatto piu’ piccoli con nutella belli buoni grazie
Ciao Miriam, grazie mille, buon idea con nutella! Buon Natale e Buon Anno!
Fabulous filling it but the dough is great grazie buon natale
Hi Miriam, thanks so much, glad you enjoyed them. Have a great weekend.