Cherry jam pastries

Cherry Jam Pies

Who can resist a warm dessert filled with cherry jam, with a golden and fluffy crust? These cherry jam pies are not just a culinary treat, but also an excellent way to bring a touch of joy to your days. In this recipe, I will present the necessary steps to create these delicious pies, as well as some useful tips to achieve a perfect result.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour
Baking time: 25-30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 55 minutes
Number of servings: 12 pies

Necessary ingredients:
- 500 g flour (preferably type 000 flour for a finer dough)
- 1 cube of fresh yeast (or 7 g of dry yeast)
- 300 ml lukewarm milk (about 37-40°C, ideal for activating the yeast)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 200 g sugar (you can adjust the amount according to your preferences)
- 1 vanilla essence (for a pleasant aroma)
- 100 ml oil (sunflower oil is a good choice)
- Cherry jam (about 250 g; you can also use other jams, but cherries add a special note)
- 1 egg (for brushing the pies)

Step-by-step preparation:

Step 1: Preparing the dough
Start by sifting the flour into a basin or a large bowl. This step is essential for aerating the flour, which will make the pies fluffier. Make a well in the center of the flour and add the salt, crumbled yeast, and a little lukewarm milk. Mix gently so that the yeast activates better.

Step 2: Let the dough rise
After mixing a little, cover the basin with a clean towel and let it rise for 15 minutes in a warm place. This process will help the yeast activate and increase the dough's volume.

Step 3: Continuing to prepare the dough
After 15 minutes, add 50 ml of oil, sugar, and vanilla essence. Start kneading the dough, gradually adding the rest of the milk. Knead for about 10-15 minutes until the dough becomes elastic and smooth. Finally, incorporate the remaining oil and continue kneading. The oil will make the pies more tender.

Step 4: Final rising
Cover the dough again with a towel and let it rise for 1 hour in a warm place. It will significantly increase in volume.

Step 5: Shaping the pies
Once the dough has risen, sprinkle a little flour on the work surface. Roll out the dough into a sheet about 1 cm thick. Use a glass or a round cutter to cut circles or you can opt for squares, depending on your preference. Place a tablespoon of cherry jam in the center of each circle.

Step 6: Packing the pies
Carefully fold the pies, ensuring that the jam does not leak out of the edges. You can seal them well by gently pressing the edges with your fingers or using a fork.

Step 7: Baking the pies
Arrange the pies on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, leaving a little space between them as they will rise during baking. Beat the egg and brush the pies with it to give them a beautiful golden color at the end. Preheat the oven to 180°C and bake the pies for 25-30 minutes or until they are golden brown on top.

Step 8: Finishing the pies
When the pies are ready, take them out of the oven and immediately brush them with honey to add a layer of sweetness. If you wish, you can also dust them with powdered sugar for an elegant look.

Serving and suggestions
These cherry jam pies are excellent served warm, alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a fragrant tea. You can also pair them with a vanilla sauce or chocolate sauce for a decadent dessert.

Nutritional benefits
The flour and sugar in your ingredients provide carbohydrates that will give you energy, while cherries are rich in antioxidants and vitamins. This is a dessert choice that, consumed in moderation, can be part of a balanced diet.

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast?
Yes, you can use 7 g of dry yeast, making sure to activate it according to the instructions on the package.

2. What other types of jam can I use?
Besides cherry jam, you can experiment with raspberry, apricot, or plum jam. Each variant brings a unique note.

3. How can I store the pies?
The pies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. You can reheat them slightly before serving.

4. Can I make the dough in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the dough a day in advance and leave it in the refrigerator. Make sure to bring it to room temperature before using it.

This cherry jam pie recipe is not just a simple dessert, but also an experience full of joy and warmth. I encourage you to try it and bring your personal touch to each preparation. Cooking is an art, and each recipe becomes unique through the love and passion with which it is made. Enjoy your meal!