Dessert - Cookies, please smile by Lorelei O. - Recipia
Smiling Cookies with Plum Jam and Walnut

If you're looking to indulge in a portion of happiness, then today's recipe is for you! These smiling cookies are not only a treat for the taste buds but also a visual explosion of joy. With a filling of plum jam and walnut, these cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether it's a gathering with friends or a family party. Let's venture into the world of cooking and create these delicious cookies together!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Number of servings: Approximately 20 cookies

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 200 g lard (at room temperature)
- 150 g powdered sugar
- 4 eggs (at room temperature)
- 150 g sour cream (35% fat)
- 100 g ground walnuts
- 1 pinch of baking powder with saffron
- 1 packet of Bourbon vanilla
- 670 g flour (plus flour for the work surface)

For the filling:
- Plum jam (about 200 g, but you can adjust according to preferences)
- Ground walnuts (to mix with the jam)

For cutting:
- A smile-shaped cutter (or any preferred shape)

Step by Step

1. Preparing the ingredients: Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature. This will help achieve a uniform and easy-to-work dough.

2. Mixing the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, place the lard and powdered sugar. Mix well until they become a homogeneous composition, then add the eggs, sour cream, ground walnuts, baking powder, and Bourbon vanilla.

3. Incorporating the flour: Gradually add the flour. It is important not to add all the flour at once to avoid lumps. Start kneading the dough, adding more flour if necessary. The dough should be soft but not sticky, easy to roll out.

4. Rolling out the dough: Sprinkle a little flour on the work surface and roll out the dough into a sheet about 3 mm thick. Make sure the surface is not lacking flour to facilitate cutting the shapes.

5. Cutting the shapes: Use the smiling cutter to cut shapes from the dough. Each cookie will have a filled part and a part with "eyes" and "mouth". Place the cut shapes on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.

6. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Place the tray in the oven and reduce the temperature to low. Bake the cookies for 10-15 minutes, watching carefully for when they start to brown. They bake very quickly, so keep an eye on them!

7. Cooling: Once the cookies are baked and have a golden hue, remove them from the oven and let them cool on a rack.

8. Filling: In a bowl, mix the plum jam with the ground walnuts. Use this mixture to fill the cookies, applying a generous amount of filling between two halves of a cookie.

9. Finishing: Sprinkle a dusting of powdered sugar over the cookies for an elegant look and an extra touch of sweetness.

Practical Tips

- Choosing ingredients: Opt for quality lard for a richer taste. You can experiment with different types of jam, such as apricot or raspberry jam to change the flavor of the cookies.
- Flour: If you want a fluffier texture, you can use part whole wheat flour or almond flour.
- Storage: The cookies keep well in an airtight container for up to a week, and the jam filling keeps them moist and delicious.

Delicious Combinations

These smiling cookies are perfect to be served alongside a cup of herbal tea or flavored coffee. You can also add them to a dessert platter to impress guests at a party!

Nutritional Benefits

Cookies with plum jam and walnut are rich in healthy fats from walnuts, providing a source of protein and essential vitamins. Additionally, plum jam adds a boost of fiber and antioxidants.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I replace the lard? Yes, you can use butter or margarine, but the texture and taste will change slightly.
- Can they be frozen? Yes, you can freeze the cookies before filling them. Make sure they cool completely before packing them.
- Can I add chocolate? Absolutely! You can add chocolate chips to the dough for an extra burst of flavor.

These smiling cookies are a perfect blend of tradition and innovation, and every bite will take you back to beautiful moments spent with loved ones. So, put on your apron, prepare the ingredients, and let's bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones with these delicious cookies!

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Dessert - Cookies, please smile by Lorelei O. - Recipia

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