Best Jumbles

Best Jumbles Recipe with Sugar, Eggs, Flour, Milk, and Almond Extract

Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 70

Introduction

Best Jumbles are a delightful treat that combines the sweet, comforting flavors of almond and rose with a soft, tender texture. This recipe is a nod to traditional baking, offering a simple yet delicious way to create cookies that are perfect for any occasion. Whether you're looking for a sweet snack to enjoy with your afternoon tea or a homemade gift for friends and family, these jumbles are sure to impress.

History

The history of jumbles dates back to the medieval times when they were originally made as hard biscuits that could last for months. Over the years, the recipe has evolved, and softer versions, like the Best Jumbles, have become more popular. The inclusion of almond and rose extracts gives these cookies a distinctive flavor that sets them apart from other traditional cookies.

Ingredients

2 cups of sugar
1 cup of crisco
4 eggs
4 cups of flour
3 tbsp of milk
1 tsp of salt
3 tsp of baking powder
1 tsp of almond extract
1 tsp of rose extract

How to prepare

First, cream Crisco and sugar together thoroughly. Gradually add well-beaten eggs.
Now, add milk, extracts, flour, salt, and baking powder.
Mix and roll lightly on a floured baking board.
Cut into circles with a doughnut cutter.
Place on Criscoed tins and bake in a moderate oven for seven to ten minutes or until light brown.
These cookies will stay fresh for two weeks, and if milk is omitted, they will last for a month.
This recipe makes enough for seventy jumbles.

Variations

For a twist on the traditional recipe, try adding lemon or vanilla extract instead of almond or rose. You can also mix in chopped nuts or dried fruit for added texture and flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To ensure your Best Jumbles turn out perfectly, make sure to cream the Crisco and sugar together until light and fluffy. This will help to incorporate air into the dough, making your cookies lighter. When adding the flour, be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies. Finally, using a doughnut cutter not only gives these cookies their traditional shape but also ensures they cook evenly.

Serving Suggestions

Best Jumbles are perfect on their own or can be served alongside a cup of tea or coffee. For a festive touch, consider decorating them with a simple glaze or sprinkles to match the occasion.

Cooking Techniques

Creaming the Crisco and sugar together thoroughly is key to achieving the light texture of these cookies. Additionally, rolling the dough lightly on a floured surface can prevent the cookies from becoming too dense.

Ingredient Substitutions

For a dairy-free version, substitute the milk with almond milk or another plant-based milk. If you're looking to reduce the sugar content, consider using a sugar substitute that is suitable for baking.

Make Ahead Tips

The dough for Best Jumbles can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to a month. Simply thaw (if frozen) and proceed with rolling and cutting when ready to bake.

Presentation Ideas

Present these cookies on a vintage plate for a touch of elegance, or stack them in a clear cellophane bag tied with a ribbon for a charming gift.

Pairing Recommendations

Best Jumbles pair wonderfully with light, floral teas such as jasmine or Earl Grey. For a more indulgent treat, enjoy them with a glass of dessert wine.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store the baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. If milk is omitted from the recipe, they can last for up to a month. These cookies do not require reheating, but if desired, a quick warm in the oven can enhance their flavor and texture.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

A single serving of Best Jumbles contains approximately 150 calories. The majority of these calories come from the fats and carbohydrates in the recipe. Enjoying these cookies as an occasional treat can fit into a balanced diet.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Best Jumbles contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates. The primary source of these carbohydrates is the sugar and flour used in the recipe. For those monitoring their carbohydrate intake, consider reducing the sugar or substituting part of the flour with almond flour for a lower carb option.

Fats

Best Jumbles are relatively high in fats, with each serving containing about 10 grams. The majority of this fat comes from the Crisco used in the recipe. For a healthier version, you can substitute the Crisco with unsalted butter or a plant-based alternative to reduce the amount of saturated fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Best Jumbles provides approximately 3 grams of protein. The protein in this recipe comes from the eggs and the small amount present in the flour. While not a high-protein snack, these cookies can be part of a balanced diet when consumed in moderation.

Vitamins and minerals

Best Jumbles contain small amounts of vitamins and minerals, primarily from the eggs and flour. These include vitamin D, calcium, and iron. However, these cookies should not be relied upon as a significant source of vitamins and minerals in your diet.

Alergens

This recipe contains common allergens, including eggs, wheat (gluten), and may contain traces of nuts depending on the brand of extracts used. Those with allergies or sensitivities should take caution and consider making substitutions as necessary.

Summary

Best Jumbles are a delicious treat that, when enjoyed in moderation, can fit into a balanced diet. They are relatively high in carbohydrates and fats, with a small amount of protein, vitamins, and minerals.

Summary

Best Jumbles are a timeless treat that offers a delightful blend of flavors and textures. With their rich history and simple preparation, these cookies are sure to become a favorite in any baker's repertoire. Whether enjoyed as a sweet snack or shared with loved ones, Best Jumbles embody the joy of homemade baking.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I knew it was something special. It was a rainy afternoon in the small town where I grew up, and I was visiting my neighbor Mrs. Jenkins. She was known far and wide for her delicious baked goods, and I had been lucky enough to be invited over for a cup of tea and a plate of her famous jumbles.

As soon as I took my first bite, I was hooked. The jumbles were soft and chewy, with just the right amount of sweetness. They were unlike any cookie I had ever tasted before, and I knew I had to learn how to make them myself.

Mrs. Jenkins must have seen the look of fascination on my face, because she smiled and said, "Would you like the recipe, dear? It's a family secret, but I think you can be trusted with it." I was overjoyed and eagerly accepted her offer.

She handed me a yellowed piece of paper with faded handwriting, and I carefully copied down the ingredients and instructions. As I read through the recipe, I realized that it was more than just a list of measurements and baking times. It was a piece of Mrs. Jenkins' history, passed down through generations of her family.

I could almost picture her grandmother standing in a sunlit kitchen, mixing the dough with practiced hands and a smile on her face. I could imagine her mother shaping the jumbles into perfect circles, each one a labor of love. And now, here I was, about to continue the tradition in my own kitchen.

I gathered the ingredients and set to work, following the recipe to the letter. The dough came together easily, and soon my house was filled with the warm, comforting scent of baking cookies. As I pulled the jumbles out of the oven, I couldn't help but smile. They looked just like Mrs. Jenkins' had, golden brown and inviting.

I took a bite and closed my eyes, savoring the familiar taste. It was as if I had been transported back to that rainy afternoon in Mrs. Jenkins' kitchen, surrounded by warmth and laughter. I knew that this recipe would become a cherished part of my own family's history, passed down from generation to generation.

Years went by, and I made the jumbles for every special occasion. Birthdays, holidays, and even just lazy Sunday afternoons were all opportunities to bring out the beloved recipe. My children grew up with the scent of baking cookies in the air, and they soon learned to love the jumbles as much as I did.

As they got older, they started to experiment with the recipe, adding their own twists and flavors. Chocolate chips, dried fruit, and even a sprinkle of sea salt were all fair game in their quest to make the jumbles even more delicious. I watched with pride as they put their own stamp on the family recipe, knowing that they were carrying on a tradition that had been passed down through the years.

One day, my granddaughter came to visit and asked me to teach her how to make the jumbles. I was overjoyed at the thought of passing on the recipe to another generation, and we spent the afternoon baking together. As we mixed, shaped, and baked, I told her the story of how I had first learned to make the jumbles from Mrs. Jenkins all those years ago.

She listened with wide eyes, hanging on every word. When the jumbles were finally done, she took a bite and smiled, her face lighting up with delight. "These are the best cookies I've ever had, Grandma," she said. And in that moment, I knew that the recipe had found a new home in her heart.

As I watched my granddaughter leave with a plate of jumbles in hand, I felt a sense of contentment wash over me. The recipe had brought joy and connection to so many people over the years, and I knew that it would continue to do so for generations to come. And as I stood in my kitchen, surrounded by the scent of baking cookies and the memories of years gone by, I knew that I had truly found something special in those jumbles.