There’s something deeply comforting about biting into a Newfoundland Jam Jam—a soft, spiced molasses cookie hugging a sweet berry jam filling. Whether you grew up with these treats or are discovering them for the first time, one thing’s certain: they taste like home.

By the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly how to make authentic Newfoundland Jam Jams—the kind that would make Nan proud. Plus, you’ll pick up pro tips for perfect texture, storage tricks, and even a few modern twists.

Let’s get baking.

Ingredients

To make these cookies, you’ll need simple, pantry-friendly ingredients. Here’s the breakdown:

For the Cookies

Ingredient	Quantity	Why It Matters
Butter (unsalted)	½ cup	Adds richness and tenderness
Brown sugar	½ cup	Deepens flavor with molasses notes
Molasses	½ cup	The key to authentic Newfoundland taste
Egg	1	Binds the dough together
Vanilla extract	1 tsp	Enhances warmth and aroma
All-purpose flour	2¼ cups	Provides structure
Baking soda	½ tsp	Helps cookies rise slightly
Ground ginger	½ tsp	Adds a gentle spice
Cinnamon	¼ tsp	Complements the molasses
Salt	Pinch	Balances sweetness

For the Filling

Ingredient	Quantity	Best Choices
Raspberry jam	¾–1 cup	Classic choice, slightly tart
Partridgeberry jam	¾–1 cup	Traditional Newfoundland option

Pro Tip: If you can’t find partridgeberry jam, bakeapple (cloudberry) or blueberry jam work beautifully too. Just avoid overly runny jams—thicker is better!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps carefully, and you’ll end up with cookies that are soft, spiced, and just sweet enough.

1. Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat ½ cup butter and ½ cup brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).

Mix in ½ cup molasses, 1 egg, and 1 tsp vanilla until smooth.

Why this matters: Proper creaming ensures a tender cookie.

2. Whisk the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together:
- 2¼ cups flour
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp ginger
- ¼ tsp cinnamon
- Pinch of salt

3. Combine Wet & Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry mix to the wet ingredients, mixing just until a soft dough forms.

Do not overmix—this keeps the cookies tender.

4. Chill the Dough

Divide dough in half, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Why chill? This prevents spreading and makes rolling easier.

5. Roll, Cut, and Bake

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Roll dough to ¼-inch thickness on a floured surface.
Use a round cookie cutter (2–3 inches wide) to cut out circles.

Bake for 8–10 minutes—they should be just set but still soft.

6. Assemble with Jam

Let cookies cool completely.
Spread ½–1 tsp jam on the flat side of one cookie, then sandwich with another.

Pro Tip: Let them sit overnight—the jam softens the cookies, making them even better the next day!

Try also our :

Classic Nova Scotia Turkey Dressing: with Summer Savory

Expert Tips

Want bakery-level results? Keep these tricks in mind:

Use room-temperature butter – Easier to cream, better texture.
Don’t skip the molasses – It’s what gives these cookies their signature taste.
Undercook slightly – They firm up as they cool.
Try different jams – Partridgeberry is traditional, but strawberry or fig jam work too.
Freeze unfilled cookies – They keep well for up to 3 months—just thaw and fill when needed.

The Story Behind Newfoundland Jam Jams

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s talk about why these cookies matter.

A Taste of Tradition

Newfoundland Jam Jams trace their roots back to British jam biscuits, but over time, they’ve evolved into a local staple. Many families have their own version, often tied to holiday memories—Christmas, Easter, or even just Sunday tea.

The Purity Factor

If you’ve ever visited Newfoundland, you’ve likely seen Purity Jam Jams on store shelves. These commercial versions are beloved, but homemade? They’re on another level. Freshly baked, with just the right amount of spice and jam, they’re worth the extra effort.

Why Make Them at Home?

Control the ingredients – No preservatives, just real butter, molasses, and quality jam.

Customize the flavors – Swap raspberry for partridgeberry, or even try a tangy bakeapple jam.
Share a piece of Newfoundland culture – These cookies aren’t just food; they’re edible history.

This isn’t just another cookie recipe. It’s a piece of Newfoundland heritage, passed down through generations. If you’ve ever craved that perfect balance of warmth from ginger and cinnamon, the richness of molasses, and the bright sweetness of raspberry or partridgeberry jam, you’re in the right place.

Keep the Tradition Alive

There you have it—the ultimate guide to making Newfoundland Jam Jams just like Nan used to. These cookies aren’t just a treat; they’re a connection to history, family, and the simple joy of homemade goodness.