Cookies with Jam

Jam Cookies – A Delight for All Ages

Jam cookies are a perfect choice for any time of the day, whether you're serving them at a gathering with friends or looking to sweeten family afternoons. This simple and quick recipe is loved by everyone, and my grandson is undoubtedly the biggest fan of these treats. So, let's venture together into the aromatic universe of jam cookies!

Total preparation time: 45 minutes (15 minutes preparation, 20 minutes baking, 10 minutes cooling)
Number of servings: 30 pieces

Ingredients

- 300 g flour
- 150 g soft butter (ideally at room temperature)
- 100 g powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- A pinch of vanilla (or a teaspoon of vanilla extract)
- 1 egg
- Apricot or strawberry jam (or any preferred jam)
- Powdered sugar for decoration

A Bit of History

Jam cookies have a long-standing tradition, being made in numerous cultures around the world. They represent a perfect combination of the crunchy texture of cookies and the sweet aroma of jam. Each bite is an explosion of flavor and, without a doubt, a sweet childhood memory for many of us.

Step by Step – How to Make Jam Cookies

1. Preparing the Dough
Start by gathering all the ingredients in a large bowl. Add the flour, baking powder, vanilla, soft butter, and powdered sugar. Beat the ingredients with a spatula or wooden spoon until you achieve a smooth mixture. Then add the egg and continue mixing until the dough becomes elastic and easy to shape. It is important not to overmix to avoid a dense dough.

2. Shaping the Dough
Sprinkle flour on the work surface and roll out the dough with a rolling pin until it reaches a thickness of about 0.5 cm. Once you have a uniform sheet, use cookie cutters to cut out the cookies. It is advisable to create 30 shapes, dividing them into two groups: half will have a hole in the middle, and the other half will be whole.

3. Baking the Cookies
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Place the cookies on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, leaving space between them for even baking. Bake the cookies for 15-20 minutes, or until they are lightly golden around the edges. Do not leave them in the oven too long, as we want them to remain soft, not dry.

4. Filling with Jam
Once the cookies are baked, let them cool completely on a rack. Once cooled, take two cookies, fill one with the chosen jam (apricot or strawberry are the most popular choices) and place the other cookie on top. Press gently to stick well.

5. Finishing and Serving
To give them a special look, dust the cookies with powdered sugar before serving. This step not only adds a festive appearance but also an extra touch of sweetness. Jam cookies can be served alongside a cup of tea or coffee, but they are also a wonderful dessert for festive meals.

Practical Tips

- For a more intense flavor: You can add lemon or orange zest to the dough. This will provide an extra aroma.
- Jam variations: Don't limit yourself to just apricot or strawberry jam! Try raspberry, peach jam, or even marmalade for an original touch.
- Storing cookies: Cookies store well in an airtight container at room temperature. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them.

Nutritional Benefits

These cookies are a good choice for a sweet snack, considering that the main ingredients are flour, butter, and jam, which provide carbohydrates, healthy fats, and vitamins from fruit. However, it is best to consume them in moderation, given the sugar content in the jam.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, you can substitute white flour with whole wheat flour, but the texture of the cookies will be different, denser.

2. How can I make the cookies less sweet?
You can reduce the amount of sugar in the dough or choose a jam with low sugar content.

3. Is it possible to make them without egg?
If you want a vegan option, you can replace the egg with a mashed banana or a mixture of flaxseeds with water (1 tablespoon of flaxseeds with 2 tablespoons of water, left to sit for 5 minutes).

4. What can I serve the cookies with?
These cookies are excellent alongside a cup of tea or coffee. You can also serve them as a dessert at a festive meal, accompanied by ice cream or chocolate sauce.

A Personal Note

I fondly remember the moments spent in the kitchen with my grandson, watching him use his imagination while cutting out the cookie shapes. It is a perfect recipe to spend quality time together, and the final result is certainly a sweet reward for the efforts made.

Jam cookies are not just a treat but also an opportunity to create beautiful memories. So don't hesitate! Gather the ingredients, teach your loved ones the secrets of this recipe, and enjoy every bite of these delicious cookies!