Jubilee Jumbles: A Taste of Nostalgia

I can almost smell the warm, comforting aroma of Jubilee Jumbles just thinking about them. My childhood Christmases weren’t complete without a plate of these soft, cake-like cookies gracing the dessert table. My grandmother, with flour dusting her apron and a twinkle in her eye, would always make a double batch, knowing they’d disappear in minutes. The nutty aroma, the hint of vanilla, and that sweet, browned butter glaze… it’s pure magic. Each bite is like a warm hug from grandma, a reminder of simpler times and shared laughter around the fireplace.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yields: 54 Cookies
• Dietary Type: Not Gluten-Free

Ingredients

• 2 1⁄4 cups Gold Medal Flour (If using self-rising flour, omit salt and soda)
• 1 1⁄2 cups Brown Sugar (Packed)
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 1⁄2 teaspoon Baking Soda
• 1 cup Sour Cream (If you don’t have sour cream you can substitute 1 tablespoon white vinegar and 1 cup of evaporated milk)
• 1⁄2 cup Shortening
• 2 Eggs
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla
• 1 cup Chopped Nuts, if desired

Browned Butter Glaze

• 1⁄2 cup Butter or 1/2 cup Margarine
• 2 cups Confectioners’ Sugar
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla
• 2 -4 tablespoons Hot Water

Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer (optional, but recommended)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking sheets
• Cooling rack
• Saucepan

Instructions

1. Begin by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). Ensure your oven rack is positioned in the center for even baking.

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, salt, and baking soda. If you’re using self-rising flour, remember to omit the salt and baking soda from this step.

3. Add the sour cream, shortening, eggs, and vanilla to the dry ingredients.

4. Using an electric mixer (or a sturdy spoon and some elbow grease), mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined. The dough will be quite soft.

5. If the dough is too soft to handle easily, cover the bowl and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This will make it easier to form the cookies.

6. Stir in the chopped nuts, if desired. Pecans or walnuts work particularly well, adding a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.

7. Drop the dough by level tablespoonfuls onto ungreased baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie. This prevents them from sticking together as they bake.

8. Bake for 10 minutes, or until the cookies are almost set and no imprint remains when touched lightly with your finger. Be careful not to overbake them, as this will result in dry, crumbly cookies.

9. Immediately remove the cookies from the baking sheet and transfer them to a wire cooling rack to cool completely. Allowing them to cool on the baking sheet will cause them to continue baking and potentially become too hard.

10. While the cookies are cooling, prepare the Browned Butter Glaze. In a saucepan, heat the butter or margarine over low heat until it melts and turns a golden brown color. Watch it closely to prevent burning. This step is crucial for developing that signature nutty flavor in the glaze.

11. Remove the browned butter from the heat and blend in the confectioners’ sugar and vanilla.

12. Stir in 2 to 4 tablespoons of hot water, one tablespoon at a time, until the glaze reaches a smooth, spreadable consistency. Adjust the amount of water according to your preference.

13. Once the cookies are completely cool, spread them generously with the Browned Butter Glaze. The glaze will harden slightly as it cools, creating a beautiful and delicious finish.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Browning the butter is key! Don’t rush this step. The nutty, caramelized flavor of browned butter elevates the glaze to another level.
• Chilling the dough is especially helpful if your kitchen is warm or the dough is particularly sticky. It makes the cookies easier to handle and prevents them from spreading too much during baking.
• Use a light-colored baking sheet for even baking. Dark baking sheets can cause the bottoms of the cookies to brown too quickly.
• For a richer flavor, use brown butter in the cookie dough itself! Simply brown the shortening before adding it to the other ingredients. Let it cool slightly before adding the eggs to avoid cooking them.
• Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet. Give the cookies enough space to spread without touching each other.
• If your glaze is too thick, add a little more hot water, one teaspoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency. If it’s too thin, add a tablespoon of confectioners’ sugar.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Jubilee Jumbles are perfect served with a glass of cold milk, a cup of hot coffee, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. They make a delightful addition to holiday dessert platters or as a sweet treat for any occasion.

To store, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the unglazed cookies for up to 2 months. Thaw them completely before glazing.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	118.5 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	54 kcal	46%
Total Fat	6 g	9%
Saturated Fat	2.4 g	11%
Cholesterol	14.2 mg	4%
Sodium	91.2 mg	3%
Total Carbohydrate	15.2 g	5%
Dietary Fiber	0.4 g	1%
Sugars	10.4 g	41%
Protein	1.4 g	2%

Variations & Substitutions

• Gluten-Free Jubilee Jumbles: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Be sure to add a binder like xanthan gum to improve the texture.
• Dairy-Free Jubilee Jumbles: Use a dairy-free sour cream alternative, such as a plant-based yogurt or a combination of silken tofu and lemon juice. Replace the butter in the glaze with a vegan butter alternative.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cookie dough for a warm, spiced flavor.
• Citrus Zest: Add the zest of an orange or lemon to the dough for a bright, citrusy twist.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use margarine instead of butter in the glaze?
A: Yes, you can use margarine, but butter will give the glaze a richer, more complex flavor. Be sure to use a high-quality margarine with a high fat content for best results.

Q: How can I prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking?
A: Make sure your oven is properly preheated, and avoid using softened butter or shortening in the dough. Chilling the dough before baking can also help prevent spreading.

Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the dough up to 24 hours in advance. Store it in the refrigerator, tightly covered, and let it come to room temperature slightly before baking.

Q: What if I don’t have sour cream?
A: As the recipe notes, you can substitute 1 tablespoon of white vinegar and 1 cup of evaporated milk for the sour cream.

Q: How do I know when the browned butter is ready?
A: The butter should be a golden brown color and have a nutty aroma. Watch it carefully to prevent burning.

Final Thoughts

Jubilee Jumbles are more than just cookies; they’re a tradition, a memory, and a taste of home. Whether you’re baking them for a special occasion or simply craving a sweet treat, I encourage you to give this recipe a try. Don’t be afraid to experiment with variations and make them your own. Share your creations with friends and family, and spread the joy of these delightful cookies. Happy baking!