Crispy Almond Cookies with Apricot Jam

Jam and almond cookies are a delicious choice for any time of the day, bringing a touch of flavor and an attractive appearance. We start by preparing a large bowl in which we will mix the dry ingredients. We carefully sift the flour to remove any impurities and to add air to the dough. We add the baking powder and sugar, mixing them well. Then, we introduce the ground almonds, which will provide a rich flavor and a crunchy texture to the cookies.

In another bowl, we beat the egg yolk and add the butter cut into cubes. It is important for the butter to be at room temperature so that it integrates easily into the mixture. We mix the yolk well with the butter, then incorporate this mixture into the dry ingredients. Using our fingers, we quickly knead until we obtain a homogeneous dough, but not overworked, to maintain tenderness. Once the dough is ready, we wrap it in plastic wrap and let it chill for 60 minutes. This step is essential to firm up the dough, making it easier to shape.

After the time has passed, we take the dough out of the refrigerator and start shaping it. We take pieces of dough and form them into rolls about 1.5 cm thick. It is important not to make them too thin, as the dough is fragile and can break easily. Then, using a ruler, we gently press to transform the rolls into rectangular shapes. We cut each piece into portions of 5-6 cm, taking care to space them out on the baking tray lined with parchment paper.

To add a creative touch, we make a lengthwise indentation in each cookie, keeping the ends intact. Meanwhile, we heat the jam to make it more fluid so that it can be easily distributed. We can place it in a plastic bag, which we submerge in hot water, then cut a corner and fill each indentation with jam. We sprinkle sliced almonds on top, providing a crunchy and delicious appearance.

The oven should be preheated to 180 degrees Celsius. We place the tray with cookies in the oven and bake them for about 10 minutes, until the dough turns golden. It is very important to closely monitor the baking time, as the cookies can bake quickly. Once they are done, we let them cool in the tray for a few minutes, then transfer them to a rack to cool completely.

While the cookies are cooling, we can prepare the chocolate glaze. We melt the chocolate in a bain-marie, making sure it does not burn. We transfer it to a piping bag with a small tip and decorate the cookies as desired. This glaze will add an extra touch of elegance and a delicious taste. Once the cookies are completely cooled and decorated, they are ready to be enjoyed. These jam and almond cookies are perfect to be given as a gift or to be enjoyed alongside a cup of fragrant tea.