Christmas at Mommom Schmidt’s was always the highlight of my year. My cousins and I, while running around her freezing backyard and throwing a wiffleball, would gorge ourselves on a treat that characterized our holiday: Mommom Schmidt’s Christmas jelly cookies. 

The sweet buttery cookie topped with strawberry jelly was something we all looked forward to each year. My dad has regaled me with stories about the cookie from his childhood — my grandmother had been making them for years. Mommom, probably tired from her son’s incessant begging, finally relinquished her recipe to my dad for us to make ourselves. 

In May 2024, my Mommom passed away due to complications from cancer. She was a woman who would treat you as her own the minute you stepped through her door. All your problems seemed to have vanished once you spoke to her. And, of course, she made the most delicious cookies.

The cookies are fairly easy to make and require few ingredients. The buttery cookie is reminiscent of shortbread but always soft and fudgey. Be sure to use high-quality strawberry jelly, jam or preserves — the tartness of the fruit helps to create a delicious balance. 

Sinking my teeth into that first, warm bite never fails to make me smile. There is a bit of Mommom in every cookie — the love she passed to each of us is baked into our hearts and everything we do, including each batch of her cookies we make.