Mom's Strawberry Squares

Mom's Strawberry Squares (also known as Hungarian Jam Squares) are a family favorite! Sweet strawberry jam is spread on a lightly sweet sugar type cookie base, topped with a lattice of more cookie dough, and baked. Then they're dusted with powdered sugar for a not-too-sweet treat that's a perfect for any occasion!

Mom's Strawberry Squares are my husband's very favorite cookie. These Strawberry Squares are a tradition that have been passed down through my husband's family.  I was given this recipe by my mother-in-law shortly after my wedding. My mother-in-law is no longer with us, but I love that I can bring back her sweet memories when I make this strawberry recipe for my husband. 

How to make Strawberry Squares

My husband's family lovingly call this cookie recipe "Strawberry Squares" because my mother-in-law has always made them with strawberry jam.  I, too,  have always made them with strawberry jam because that's what my husband likes, but they can be made with any flavor jam you like. (Imagine the possibilities for flavors...apricot, blackberry, blueberry, etc!)   

One word of caution: Be sure to use good quality jam or preserves, because that is where this cookie gets most of its flavor and don't skimp on the amount either!  The recipe calls for a full quart of jam or preserves, and you will want to use every drop of that!   

The lattice topping might seem complicated, but it's not.  As you can see from the photo below, you do not need to be perfect.  You'll end up cutting the cookies into squares anyway, and no one will notice the topping didn't come out perfect.  And of course, there is the powdered sugar dusting, which covers up all imperfections anyway!

These cookies are easy because they bake in one pan and then are cut into squares once cooled. I use a jelly roll pan with sides that measures 15 1/2" x 10 1/2." It's the only sized pan I have ever used to make strawberry squares.  If you don't have that size pan, I would think you could give it a go with a 13" x 9" pan, but the cookies would be a little thicker and may need more time to bake.

The original recipe calls for the butter to be incorporated into the flour/sugar mixture with a pastry blender, and while it works perfectly, I found a way to make things quicker and easier. I make the dough entirely in the food processor.

If you are a fan of not-too-sweet treats, you might want to give this recipe a try!

Strawberry Squares, strawberry recipes, strawberry squares with shortbread crust

Dessert, Cookies

American

Yield: 24 servings

Author: Renee Paj

Mom's Strawberry Squares

Prep time: 15 MinCook time: 30 MinTotal time: 45 Min

Sweet strawberry jam is spread on a lightly sweet shortbread type cookie base, topped with a lattice of more cookie dough, and baked. Then they're dusted with powdered sugar for a not-too-sweet treat that's a perfect for any occasion!

Ingredients

• 2 3/4 cups all purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, cold, cut into cubes
• 2 large eggs, slightly beaten
• 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1 quart of jam or preserves, any flavor
• powdered sugar, to dust cookies with

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Spray a 15" x 10" jelly roll pan (with sides) with cooking spray and then line the bottom and up the two of the sides with parchment paper. (to help remove cookies when done)
2. In large capacity food processor, with blade attached, add the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. Pulse a few times to combine.
3. Add butter and process until butter incorporated into the flour.
4. Add vanilla to the eggs, and while the processor is running, pour into the flour/butter mixture and process until a smooth dough. If it seems too sticky, add a little more flour. (you should be able to pick it up and shape it into a ball)
5. Set aside 1/3 of dough and press the remaining dough into the bottom and sides of the prepared pan. Spread the jam evenly over the dough.
6. With remaining dough, roll or press out into a rectangle, about 1/8 inch thick and cut into strips. Arrange dough strips over the jam in a criss cross pattern. ( you do not need to lattice them, just make them criss cross, by setting all the strips in one direction on the jam, and then go the other way with the rest) Press the edges to seal.
7. Bake in the oven until lightly brown on the edges, about 25 -30 minutes. Remove from oven and cool completely before cutting into squares. Dust with powdered sugar, if desired

Notes

Nutritional Information is an Estimate

Nutrition Facts

Calories

337.84

Fat (grams)

8.71 g

Sat. Fat (grams)

5.09 g

Cholesterol (grams)

36.55 mg

Carbs (grams)

62.54 g

Fiber (grams)

1.01 g

Sugar (grams)

40.01 g

Net carbs

61.53 g

Protein (grams)

2.56 g

Sodium (milligrams)

112.40 mg

https://www.reneeskitchenadventures.com/2019/05/strawberry-squares.html

Copyright © 2019 Renee's Kitchen Adventures

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More Strawberry Recipes you might enjoy:

• Easy Strawberry Bundt Cake
• Fresh Strawberry Pretzel Dessert
• Strawberry Swirl Coffee Cake
• Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake

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Note: This recipe for Mom's Strawberry Squares (aka Hungarian Jam Squares) first appeared on Renee's Kitchen Adventures in December 2014. I've updated the post to include more information and republished it because it's an excellent recipe and it memorializes my Mother-in-Law who is no longer with us. The recipe hasn't changed from the original post.

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