Cookies with jam

Delicious shell-shaped cookies filled with jam – a recipe that combines tradition with creativity! These cookies are not only a treat for the taste buds but also a true visual delight, perfect to be enjoyed alongside a cup of tea or coffee. Get ready to explore a simple yet refined recipe that will bring a smile to anyone's face.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 12 minutes
Total time: 32 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies

Ingredients:
- 375 g wheat flour
- 150 g sugar
- 150 g butter (at room temperature, cut into cubes)
- 100 ml water
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- A pinch of salt
- Jam, jelly, Nutella, vanilla cream, chocolate cream, or peanut butter (for filling)

A brief story about cookies:
Cookies have a long history, being made in various shapes and flavors around the world. These shell-shaped cookies with sweet filling are inspired by pastry traditions, where creativity in using ingredients and shapes has led to the emergence of truly unique delicacies. Regardless of the filling chosen, each bite will evoke the joy and warmth of home.

Step by step: Making the cookies

1. Preparing the base mixture:
In a saucepan, add the cubed butter, water, salt, and sugar. Place the saucepan over low heat and stir occasionally until the butter is completely melted and the sugar is dissolved. It is important to keep the heat low to avoid burning the mixture. Once everything is melted, turn off the heat and let the mixture sit for 10 minutes to cool slightly.

2. Preparing the flour:
In a large bowl, place the flour and baking powder. Mix well and then sift the flour to avoid lumps. This step will ensure a fine texture for the cookies.

3. Combining the ingredients:
After 10 minutes, add the sugar and butter mixture to the flour. Use a spatula or a mixer on low speed to combine the ingredients. Do not mix too much, just until the composition comes together.

4. Kneading the dough:
Transfer the dough to a working surface and knead it with your hands until it becomes homogeneous. This step is essential for obtaining fluffy and delicious cookies. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it chill in the freezer for 20-30 minutes. This step will make rolling out the dough easier and prevent sticking.

5. Shaping the cookies:
Dust the working surface with a little flour and roll out the dough with a rolling pin until you achieve a thickness of about 5 mm. Use a glass to cut circles from the dough. On each circle, add a teaspoon of jam, jelly, Nutella, or your favorite cream. This is the moment when creativity can shine – do not limit yourself to just one filling!

6. Sealing the cookies:
After adding the filling, seal the edges of the cookies by pressing them with a fork. Make sure they are well sealed to avoid leaks during baking. Place the cookies on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, leaving a small space between them to allow for expansion.

7. Baking:
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Bake the cookies for 12 minutes or until the edges become slightly golden. It is important that the surface of the cookies remains white to maintain their delicate appearance. After baking, let them cool slightly on the tray before transferring them to a cooling rack.

8. Finishing and serving:
Once cooled, dust the cookies with powdered sugar for an attractive appearance and an extra touch of sweetness. This final detail will transform the cookies into a true delicacy!

Serving suggestions:
These cookies are ideal to be served alongside a cup of tea or coffee. They can also be a wonderful gift for friends and family, especially during holidays or special occasions. You can beautifully package them in decorative boxes for a personalized gift.

Variations:
- Try using various fillings, such as chocolate cream, vanilla cream, or peanut butter, to give the cookies a personalized touch.
- Add a few drops of vanilla essence or citrus zest to the dough for a more intense flavor.
- If you want a crunchier texture, add some ground nuts to the dough.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use another type of flour?
Yes, you can experiment with whole wheat or gluten-free flour, but the texture of the cookies will change.

2. How can I keep the cookies fresh?
Keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature.

3. Can I freeze the cookies?
Absolutely! Unbaked cookies can be frozen. You can bake them directly from the freezer, adjusting the baking time by a few minutes.

Nutritional benefits:
These cookies contain simple ingredients, and by choosing a healthy filling, such as peanut butter or fruit jam without added sugar, you can add extra nutrients. Additionally, butter provides healthy fats, and whole wheat flour offers fiber.

With each bite of these cookies, you will not only taste the delicious flavor but also feel the warmth and love that went into making them. Experiment with different fillings and discover new, tasty combinations! Don’t forget to share these moments of joy with your loved ones. Enjoy!