Jubilee Jumbles Cookies are a delightful, old-fashioned treat that has stood the test of time. With their soft, cake-like texture and sweet icing, these cookies are perfect for any occasion, from holiday gatherings to afternoon snacks. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a beginner, this recipe is easy to follow and guarantees delicious results.
In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about Jubilee Jumbles Cookies—their history, ingredients, step-by-step recipe, baking tips, storage methods, and variations. Plus, we’ll answer some frequently asked questions about baking and preserving cookies to help you enjoy your treats for as long as possible.
Let’s dive in!
Introduction to Jubilee Jumbles Cookies
What Are Jubilee Jumbles Cookies?
Jubilee Jumbles Cookies are soft, cake-like cookies topped with a rich and flavorful icing. They are often made with butter, sugar, eggs, and sour cream, giving them a moist and tender texture. The icing, typically flavored with vanilla or a hint of citrus, adds the perfect finishing touch.
The History Behind Jubilee Jumbles
These cookies date back to the mid-20th century and were often featured in vintage cookbooks and family recipe collections. Many home bakers recall their grandmothers making these cookies for special occasions, giving them a nostalgic and comforting appeal.
Why These Cookies Are So Special
- Soft and Moist Texture – Unlike crunchy cookies, Jubilee Jumbles are light and fluffy, similar to a small cake.
- Simple Yet Flavorful – The combination of sour cream, butter, and vanilla creates a rich and satisfying taste.
- Perfect for Any Occasion – Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a party, or just a sweet craving, these cookies always hit the spot.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Jubilee Jumbles Cookies
The secret to making Jubilee Jumbles Cookies lies in using the right ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in achieving the soft, cake-like texture and rich flavor that make these cookies so special. Below, we’ll break down the key ingredients and suggest some substitutes for dietary preferences.
Key Ingredients and Their Roles
Ingredient | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Butter | Adds richness and enhances flavor. |
| Granulated Sugar | Provides sweetness and helps with structure. |
| Eggs | Bind the ingredients and contribute to the soft texture. |
| Sour Cream | Keeps the cookies moist and tender. |
| Vanilla Extract | Adds depth of flavor. |
| All-Purpose Flour | Forms the base and provides structure. |
| Baking Powder | Helps the cookies rise and gives them a light texture. |
| Salt | Balances the sweetness and enhances flavors. |
| Milk (for icing) | Helps create a smooth, spreadable frosting. |
| Powdered Sugar (for icing) | Adds sweetness and helps form the icing consistency. |
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Substitutes for Common Ingredients
If you have dietary restrictions or want to experiment, here are some alternative ingredients:
- Butter Substitute: Use margarine or coconut oil for a dairy-free version.
- Egg Substitute: Replace each egg with ¼ cup applesauce or a flaxseed egg (1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp water).
- Sour Cream Alternative: Use Greek yogurt or a dairy-free yogurt for a similar creamy texture.
- Flour Options: Try gluten-free all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version.
Step-by-Step Recipe for Jubilee Jumbles Cookies
Now that we’ve covered the essential ingredients, it’s time to bake these delicious Jubilee Jumbles Cookies! Follow this simple, step-by-step guide to achieve soft, cake-like cookies with a rich, flavorful icing.
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Icing:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk (adjust as needed)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Step 1: Preparing the Dough
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This takes about 2-3 minutes using a hand mixer or stand mixer.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Mix in the sour cream, ensuring it is fully combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies soft.
Step 2: Shaping and Baking the Cookies
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The cookies should be soft and slightly puffy.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before icing.
Step 3: Making the Perfect Icing
- In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. If the icing is too thick, add a little more milk, one teaspoon at a time.
- Using a spoon or a small spatula, spread a thin layer of icing over each cooled cookie.
- Allow the icing to set for about 15-20 minutes before serving.
Enjoy Your Jubilee Jumbles Cookies!
These cookies are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored for several days. In the next section, we’ll cover expert baking tips to help you perfect your recipe every time.
Expert Baking Tips for the Best Jubilee Jumbles Cookies
Baking Jubilee Jumbles Cookies is simple, but a few expert techniques can elevate your cookies from good to amazing. Here are some essential tips to help you achieve the perfect texture, flavor, and icing consistency.
How to Achieve the Perfect Texture
- Use Room-Temperature Ingredients
- Let butter, eggs, and sour cream sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before mixing. This helps create a smooth, well-incorporated dough.
- Cream Butter and Sugar Properly
- Beat them together until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes). This step traps air in the dough, making the cookies soft and slightly puffy.
- Avoid Overmixing the Dough
- Mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Overmixing can result in dense or tough cookies.
- Use the Right Baking Temperature
- 375°F (190°C) is ideal for these cookies. A lower temperature may make them spread too much, while a higher one could dry them out.
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Common Mistakes to Avoid
| Mistake | How to Fix It |
|---|---|
| Cookies turn out too flat | Ensure the butter is softened, not melted. Also, avoid overmixing the dough. |
| Cookies are dry or crumbly | Measure flour properly using the spoon and level method instead of scooping directly. |
| Uneven baking | Rotate the baking sheet halfway through baking to ensure even browning. |
| Icing is too runny | Add more powdered sugar a tablespoon at a time to thicken it. |
| Icing doesn’t set | Let the cookies cool completely before adding icing, and allow at least 20 minutes for it to set. |
Storing and Preserving Jubilee Jumbles Cookies
Once you’ve baked a delicious batch of Jubilee Jumbles Cookies, it’s important to store them properly to maintain their soft texture and fresh flavor. Whether you’re planning to enjoy them over several days or save them for a special occasion, here’s everything you need to know about storing these cookies.
How Far in Advance Can You Bake These Cookies?
You can bake Jubilee Jumbles Cookies up to 3 days in advance and still enjoy them fresh. To maintain their softness:
- Store them in an airtight container at room temperature.
- Place a sheet of wax paper between layers to prevent them from sticking together.
- If iced, let the icing set completely before stacking.
For longer storage, consider freezing (details below).
How to Keep Them Fresh for Longer
Storing at Room Temperature
- Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- To retain moisture, add a small piece of bread to the container—the cookies will absorb the moisture from the bread, keeping them soft.
Refrigerating the Cookies
- While not necessary, refrigeration can extend freshness to 7-10 days.
- Store cookies in a sealed container to prevent them from absorbing fridge odors.
- Let refrigerated cookies come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Freezing the Cookies
Thaw at room temperature for 30-60 minutes before serving.
Unfrosted cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe bag.
For frosted cookies, flash-freeze them first on a baking sheet for an hour before transferring them to a container. This keeps the icing intact.
Jubilee Jumbles Cookies Variations
One of the best things about Jubilee Jumbles Cookies is how versatile they are! While the classic version is delicious, you can easily customize the recipe to suit different tastes, dietary needs, or special occasions. Here are some creative variations to try.
1. Chocolate Lover’s Jubilee Jumbles
For a rich chocolate twist:
- Replace ½ cup of flour with ½ cup of unsweetened cocoa powder.
- Add ½ cup of chocolate chips to the dough for extra indulgence.
- Drizzle melted chocolate over the icing for a decorative finish.
2. Nutty & Crunchy Version
If you enjoy a bit of crunch, try adding nuts:
- Mix ½ cup of chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds into the dough.
- Sprinkle crushed nuts over the icing before it sets for added texture.
3. Citrus-Flavored Jubilee Jumbles
For a refreshing citrus flavor:
- Add 1 teaspoon of orange zest or lemon zest to the dough.
- Replace the vanilla extract in the icing with lemon or orange extract for a bright, tangy finish.
4. Spiced Holiday Version
These cookies are perfect for the holiday season with a warm spice blend:
- Add ½ teaspoon of cinnamon and ¼ teaspoon of nutmeg to the dry ingredients.
- Drizzle the iced cookies with a maple glaze for extra holiday flavor.
5. Gluten-Free Jubilee Jumbles
To make these cookies gluten-free:
- Use 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour instead of regular flour.
- Make sure your baking powder and other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
- The texture may be slightly different, but they’ll still be soft and delicious!
6. Vegan Jubilee Jumbles
For a dairy-free and egg-free version:
- Replace butter with vegan butter or coconut oil.
- Use ½ cup unsweetened applesauce or 2 flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water per egg) instead of eggs.
- Swap sour cream for dairy-free yogurt or coconut cream.
Pairing and Serving Suggestions
Jubilee Jumbles Cookies are soft, sweet, and perfectly iced, making them a delightful treat on their own. But pairing them with the right drinks or serving them creatively can elevate your cookie experience. Here are some of the best ways to enjoy Jubilee Jumbles Cookies for any occasion.
Best Drinks to Enjoy with Jubilee Jumbles Cookies
The mild sweetness and soft texture of these cookies make them perfect for pairing with a variety of beverages.
Hot Drinks
- Coffee – A fresh cup of black coffee or a latte balances the cookie’s sweetness.
- Tea – Try Earl Grey, chamomile, or chai for a comforting pairing.
- Hot Cocoa – The creamy chocolate flavor pairs perfectly with the vanilla icing.
Cold Drinks
- Milk – A classic pairing! Cold whole milk or almond milk enhances the cookie’s richness.
- Iced Coffee or Cold Brew – The smooth bitterness complements the sweet frosting.
- Fruit Smoothies – A berry or banana smoothie adds a refreshing contrast.
Creative Ways to Serve Jubilee Jumbles Cookies
Want to take your cookie presentation to the next level? Try these ideas:
1. Cookie Platter for Parties
- Arrange the cookies on a large platter with a mix of classic, chocolate, and nutty variations.
- Add small bowls of whipped cream, caramel, or fruit preserves for dipping.
2. Ice Cream Sandwiches
- Take two Jubilee Jumbles Cookies and sandwich them with vanilla, chocolate, or caramel ice cream.
- Roll the edges in mini chocolate chips or sprinkles for extra flair.
3. Holiday-Themed Cookie Decorating
- Use colored icing to decorate cookies for Christmas, Halloween, or birthdays.
- Sprinkle with crushed candy canes, cinnamon sugar, or edible glitter for a festive touch.
4. Afternoon Tea Dessert
- Serve these cookies on a tiered cake stand alongside small pastries and scones.
- Pair with an assortment of herbal and black teas for an elegant presentation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When baking and storing cookies, several common questions arise. Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about Jubilee Jumbles Cookies and cookies in general.
1. How far in advance can I bake cookies?
You can bake Jubilee Jumbles Cookies up to 3 days in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. If you’re making them for a special event, it’s best to bake them the day before for optimal freshness.
2. How long do cookies need to cool before packaging?
Cookies should cool for at least 30 minutes before packaging to prevent condensation, which can make them soggy. If they have icing, allow 20–30 minutes for the icing to set completely before stacking or storing them.
3. How to tell if cookies are bad?
Signs that cookies have gone bad include:
- Hard, dry texture (if they were originally soft)
- Stale or off smell
- Mold or visible discoloration
- Soggy or sticky texture (from excess moisture)
If you notice any of these signs, it’s best to discard the cookies.
4. Can I eat a 10-day-old cookie?
It depends on how the cookies were stored. If kept in an airtight container at room temperature, they might be stale but safe to eat. If refrigerated, they can last up to 10 days and still taste good. However, always check for signs of spoilage before eating.
5. When should you throw out cookies?
Cookies should be thrown out if they:
- Have been sitting at room temperature for more than a week and seem stale or dry.
- Have an off smell, mold, or unusual texture.
- Were stored improperly and have become too hard or sticky to enjoy.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Jubilee Jumbles Cookies are a timeless classic, loved for their soft, cake-like texture and sweet, flavorful icing. Whether you’re baking them for a special occasion, experimenting with new flavors, or simply craving a nostalgic treat, this recipe is easy to follow and guarantees delicious results.
By using the right ingredients, following expert baking tips, and storing them properly, you can ensure your cookies stay fresh and tasty. Plus, with fun variations like chocolate, nutty, citrus, and gluten-free options, there’s a version of Jubilee Jumbles Cookies for everyone to enjoy.
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