Tender cookies with ground almonds and apricot jam

Name: Tender cookies with ground almonds and apricot jam
Ingredients: 200 g of unsalted butter at room temperature; 2 tablespoons of heavy cream; 150 g of brown sugar; a pinch of Himalayan salt; 1/2 packet of baking powder; 100 g of ground almonds; 1 teaspoon of grated lemon zest; 2 free-range eggs; enough white flour (about 600 g); 1 jar of apricot jam; 50 g of powdered sugar.

Dessert - Tender cookies with ground almonds and apricot jam by Blanduzia B. - Recipia

Tender cookies with ground almonds and apricot jam Preparation time: 20 minutes Baking time: 20 minutes Total time: 40 minutes Number of servings: 24 cookies Tender cookies with ground almonds and apricot jam are a delight that combines the soft texture and intense flavor of almonds with the aromatic sweetness of apricots. This recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether it's a party, a gathering with friends, or simply to indulge yourself and your family. Moreover, these cookies are very easy to make, so you don’t need to be an expert in the kitchen to succeed! A brief history: Cookies have been prepared and consumed throughout history in various forms and flavors, with each culture having its specific recipes. The simple and natural ingredients we use in this recipe reflect the tradition of creating delicious pastries from locally available ingredients. Necessary ingredients: - 200 g unsalted butter at room temperature - 150 g brown sugar - 2 large eggs - 100 g ground almonds - 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest - 2 tablespoons heavy cream - a pinch of Himalayan salt - 1/2 packet baking powder - all-purpose flour (about 600 g) - 1 jar of apricot jam - 50 g powdered sugar for dusting Step by step: 1. Preparing the ingredients: Make sure all the ingredients are at room temperature. This will help achieve a homogeneous dough. Take the butter and eggs out of the refrigerator an hour before starting. 2. Mixing the ingredients: In a large bowl, add the softened butter and brown sugar. Use a mixer or spatula to mix the butter with the sugar until it becomes a creamy and homogeneous mixture. This step is essential for fluffy cookies. 3. Adding the eggs and flavors: Incorporate the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then add the ground almonds, lemon zest, cream, and salt. Mix until all the ingredients are well integrated. 4. Including the dry ingredients: Sift the flour together with the baking powder. Start adding the flour gradually, mixing with a spatula until the dough becomes homogeneous and easy to shape. Don’t hesitate to adjust the amount of flour; the dough should be soft but not sticky to the hands. 5. Chilling the dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes. This will help firm up the butter, making it easier to roll out the dough. 6. Preparing the cookies: Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. On a floured surface, roll out the dough into a thin sheet, about 5 mm thick. Use a flower-shaped cutter or any other desired shape to cut out the cookies. For half of the cookies, use a metal tip to make a small opening in the center. 7. Baking: Place the cookies on baking trays lined with parchment paper, leaving enough space between them. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until they turn lightly golden. Check them from time to time, as each oven bakes differently. 8. Cooling: Once the cookies are baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool on a rack. This step is important to prevent them from becoming soggy. 9. Assembling: Once the cookies are completely cooled, spread the uncut cookies with apricot jam. Then, stick a perforated cookie on top so that the jam is visible through the opening in the center. 10. Finishing: To add a touch of elegance, dust the cookies with powdered sugar before serving. This detail will not only enhance the appearance but also add a slight sweetness. Serving suggestions: These cookies are delicious served alongside a cup of hot tea or aromatic coffee. You can also try pairing them with a sweet wine or freshly squeezed lemonade with mint for a special experience. Tips and variations: You can experiment with other types of jam, such as raspberry or peach, to add a different note. If you prefer a sugar-free version, you can use natural sweeteners instead of brown sugar and powdered sugar. Nutritional benefits: These cookies are rich in protein and healthy fats due to ingredients like butter and almonds, contributing to a balanced diet. Almonds are also an excellent source of vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin E and magnesium. Frequently asked questions: 1. Can I use other types of nuts instead of almonds? Yes, you can replace almonds with walnuts or hazelnuts, but be mindful of the final texture. 2. What should I do if the dough is too sticky? Add a little extra flour to achieve the desired consistency. 3. How can I store the cookies? Keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, where they will stay fresh for a few days. I hope this recipe inspires you to make tender cookies with ground almonds and apricot jam, bringing a smile to the faces of your loved ones. Enjoy!