Queen Elizabeth II, the longest-serving British monarch who passed away in September 2022 at the age of 96, had a simple afternoon snack she enjoyed almost daily for over nine decades. This humble treat was a staple from her childhood and remained a favorite throughout her life.
Former royal chef Darren McGrady shared insights on YouTube about the royal family’s preferred dishes, revealing that the Queen adored “jam pennies”—small circular jam sandwiches. McGrady explained, “The Queen was served jam pennies in the nursery as a little girl; she’s had them for afternoon tea ever since.”
These sandwiches consisted of bread spread with butter on one side and strawberry jam on the other, typically made from homemade jam using strawberries from the gardens at Balmoral Castle. However, store-bought jam works just as well for those wishing to recreate this snack at home.
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An interesting royal tradition is the shape of these sandwiches. They were always cut into circles, never triangles or squares, due to a longstanding superstition. Former royal chef Graham Newbould, in the documentary Secrets of the Royal Kitchen, noted, “The royals never have square sandwiches because tradition has it that anyone presenting them with pointed-edged food is trying to overthrow the throne of England.”
To make jam pennies, simply butter one side of the bread, spread your preferred jam on the other side, assemble the sandwich, and use a biscuit cutter to create small, round shapes. This straightforward yet beloved snack offers a glimpse into the daily life of the late Queen and the traditions she upheld.