Chunky Jam Streusel Squares

Chunky Streusel Jam Squares

This is a super easy cookie--the dough is made in a food processor and then pressed into a pan; layered with jam and baked.  My favorite flavor of jam is strawberry so I usually use that but I once made it with a pineapple-apricot preserve with good results.  I think this would be good with raspberry jam as well.  The recipe that this is adapted from included chopped nuts and chocolate chips.  I left out the nuts because I am allergic.  I ended up making this without chocolate chips because the first time I made it I forgot the chocolate chips--they were supposed to be layered between the jam and the topping.  We liked it so much we never thought about adding the chocolate chips.

Crust:
1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1 1/2 cups old fashioned rolled oats
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup golden brown sugar, firmly packed
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 to 1 cup jam or jelly, warmed in the microwave slightly

Note: This is the recipe for 8x8" pan, makes about 36-49 squares.  If I am making this for the holidays and need a large amount, I'd double the recipe and press the mixture in a 10x15" baking sheet with sides.  To make it easier for me, I make a single batch of the dough and press the entire amount in the baking sheet and repeat a second batch of dough for the top rather than doubling all the ingredients at once and then dividing it for the bottom and top.  Also, I like cutting the squares very tiny because they are quite rich.  Perfect with a cup of coffee or unsweetened hot tea.

Heat the oven to 350°F.  Line a 8x8" baking pan with foil and spray with nonstick spray.

Combine flour, oats, sugars, baking powder and salt and butter in the food processor bowl fitted with dough blade.  Process until mixture is well combined and crumbly.  Place half of the mixture into the prepared dish; press firmly to cover bottom of pan.  Spread with jam.  Crumble remaining dough over the top, spreading evenly and pressing lightly.

Bake 30 tp 35 minutes or until golden on the top.  Let cool completely before cutting into squares.


Makes 36 to 49 squares.