Jam Tarts Recipe

Jam Tarts: In the bowl of your electric mixer (or with a hand mixer), beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about two  minutes). Add the egg and vanilla extract and beat until combined. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder and salt. Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture and beat just until incorporated. 

Divide the pastry in half and then roll each half between two sheets of parchment or wax paper until it is about 1/8 inch  thick. As you roll, periodically check the top and bottom sheets of parchment and smooth out any wrinkles. Place the pastry on a baking sheet (along with the parchment paper) and place in the refrigerator until firm (about 1-2 hours). 

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Have ready 30 miniature muffin cups, preferably nonstick.

Once your pastry has chilled, remove one portion from the refrigerator and peel off the top piece of parchment paper. Using about a 2 1/2 inch (6 cm) cookie cutter, cut out rounds of pastry and gently press them into the muffin cups. Then fill each tart shell about two-thirds full with your favorite jam. Bake for about 12 - 14 minutes or until golden brown around the edges. Remove from oven and place on a wire rack to cool.

Can garnish with a dollop of whipped cream or clotted cream or sprinkle with finely chopped nuts.

Makes about 30 - 2 inch (5 cm) Jam Tarts.