For a golden and delicious batch of jam tarts, one crucial step before baking makes all the difference: chilling the dough. This classic British treat, loved by many since childhood, is a staple of afternoon tea spreads.
The Essential Step
The key is to wrap the dough in cling film and place it in the freezer for 10 minutes before rolling and cutting. This simple step ensures the pastry stays crisp and golden during baking, preventing it from becoming tough or shrinking.
Recipe for 12 Jam Tarts
This straightforward recipe from the Easy Peasy Baking campaign yields 12 tarts, perfect for sharing. While strawberry is a personal favourite, any jam flavour or even lemon curd works well.
- 200g plain flour
- 100g unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- Two tablespoons of cold water
- 12 tablespoons of jam (any flavour)
Method
- Preheat the oven to 180°C.
- Rub the butter into the flour until crumbly, add cold water, and form a dough ball. Wrap in cling film and freeze for 10 minutes.
- Roll out to 3mm thick, cut 12 circles, and line a cupcake tray.
- Add a tablespoon of jam to each pastry case.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and bubbling.
- Cool completely in the tray before serving.
Perfect for Afternoon Tea Week (August 10-16), these jam tarts are a delightful addition to any tea spread, offering a buttery, sweet bite that evokes nostalgia.
