Aloha Bites' Signature Delicate Jam-Filled Sugar Cookie Recipe

Award-winning baker in Hawai’i Akiko White of Aloha Bites puts a tropical twist on a timeless holiday favorite with her delicate jam-filled sugar cookies. This festive recipe combines the classic buttery sweetness of sugar cookies with a hint of lemon zest and a touch of aloha, thanks to her signature tropical jam, creating a bright and joyful treat that’s perfect for cookie swaps or Christmas dessert tables.

Delicate Jam-Filled Sugar Cookie Recipe

INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup unsalted butter, slightly softened (227 grams)
• 1 cup packed brown sugar (200 grams)
• 1/2 cup granulated white sugar (100 grams)
• 2 large eggs (100 grams)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (10 grams)
• 3/4 teaspoon salt (4.5 grams)
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder (2.4 grams)
• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (420 grams)
• Zest of one whole lemon
• Juice of half a lemon
• 1 jar of Aloha Bites jam
• Powdered sugar (for dusting)

CHECK OUT: Akiko's Recommended Christmas Cookie Baking Products

INSTRUCTIONS

Here is how you make Akiko's jam-filled sugar cookies. They’re a sweet way to share aloha—one bite at a time.

Prep:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl; set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugars together until light and fluffy.
4. Add the eggs and vanilla, and mix until well combined.
5. Gradually incorporate the flour mixture into the butter mixture. Mix until a dough forms.

Rolling and Cutting:

1. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. Prepare another piece of parchment for rolling out the dough (this keeps your surface clean and makes it easy to lift the cookie shapes).
2. Lightly flour the parchment paper to prevent sticking.
3. Roll out half of the dough to about 1/4 inch thick.
4. Cut your desired cookie shapes. Remember to cut two of each shape—one solid and one with a “peek-a-boo” cutout in the center.
5. Place the cookies on the lined baking sheet, leaving space between them.

Baking:

1. Bake for 7–10 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden.
2. Cool the cookies on a wire rack before assembling.

Assembly:

Now the fun part! Choose your favorite jam—we love our Aloha Bites Tropical flavors!

1. Dust the tops of the cookies (the ones with the peek-a-boo cutouts) with powdered sugar.
2. Place about 1 teaspoon of jam in the center of each solid cookie. Spread it gently to cover the peek-a-boo window area.
3. Sandwich the cookies together, being careful not to touch the tops where the powdered sugar sits.
   Voilà! Your beautiful jam cookies are ready to serve.

TROUBLESHOOTING & STORAGE

For lasting freshness, follow Akiko’s storage and troubleshooting tips to keep every cookie as tender and flavorful as the day they were baked.

• If your kitchen is warm and the dough feels soft, chill it in the refrigerator for 10 minutes before cutting.
• You can refrigerate wrapped dough for up to 1 week, or freeze it for up to 3 months.
• Finished cookies can be frozen for up to 6 months.
  

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