Jam-filled donuts - vegan

The joy of making a simple yet flavorful vegan dessert is found in the delicious recipe for Jam Cookies. These cookies, paired with a tangy jam, are not only easy to prepare but will delight any taste buds, whether vegan or not. Moreover, they are an excellent choice for breakfast or a snack, being a sweet and healthy option.

Total preparation time: 40 minutes
Baking time: 10 minutes
Number of servings: 20 cookies

The history of these cookies is fascinating, with deep roots in the culinary tradition of vegan desserts. These recipes have been passed down from generation to generation, adapted each time with available ingredients while maintaining their essence of sweetness and comfort.

Necessary ingredients:

- 150g margarine (choose a quality margarine, free of trans fats, for better taste)
- 20 tablespoons powdered sugar (suggestion: use cane sugar for a more complex flavor)
- 250g flour (whole wheat flour can provide a richer texture)
- 2 tablespoons honey or fir syrup (if you prefer a vegan option, opt for a natural sweetener)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (adds a note of freshness)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- a pinch of salt
- apricot jam (or any other tangy jam, such as quince)
- 50g shredded coconut (for decoration, optional)

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preparing the ingredients
Make sure you have all the ingredients at room temperature. This will help with easier mixing of the composition. Start by creaming the margarine with the powdered sugar in a large bowl until the mixture becomes creamy and fluffy. This step is crucial for achieving a light texture.

2. Adding liquid ingredients
Add the honey (or fir syrup) and lemon juice to the margarine and sugar mixture. Mix well to combine the ingredients. Baking soda and salt are also added, and this mixture will help the cookies rise during baking.

3. Incorporating the flour
Start gradually adding the flour, mixing with a spatula or your hands, until a homogeneous dough forms. It is important not to over-knead, as we want the cookies to remain fluffy and crumbly.

4. Resting the dough
Form the dough into a ball, cover it with plastic wrap, and let it chill in the refrigerator for 15 minutes. This resting will help firm up the dough, making it easier to roll out and cut.

5. Rolling and cutting the dough
Sprinkle some flour on the work surface and roll out the dough to about 5mm thick. Use a round cutter or the rim of a glass to cut out discs from the dough. Place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, leaving space between them, as they will expand in the oven.

6. Baking the cookies
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes until they turn golden. Be careful not to leave them too long, as we want them to remain flaky and not too crunchy.

7. Cooling and filling
Once baked, let the cookies cool on a rack. After they have completely cooled, spread some apricot jam (or quince jelly) on some cookies and sandwich them together.

8. Decorating
For a more appealing look, roll each filled cookie in shredded coconut. This will add not only an aesthetic touch but also a delicious flavor.

Serving suggestions:
These Jam Cookies are perfect alongside a cup of tea or coffee. They can also be served at a party or brunch, bringing a touch of sweetness and flavor to any moment of the day.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

- Can I replace margarine with butter?
Sure, but it will no longer be a vegan recipe. Butter will give the cookies a richer flavor.

- What jam can I use instead of apricot jam?
Any tangy jam works, such as plum or raspberry.

- How long can I keep the cookies?
These cookies keep well in an airtight container at room temperature for about a week.

- Can I make the cookies gluten-free?
Yes, use a gluten-free flour, but make sure all other ingredients are also gluten-free.

Nutritional benefits:
These cookies are a healthier alternative to traditional desserts, containing ingredients that do not include animal products. Whole wheat flour can add fiber, and apricot jam provides necessary vitamins for an energy boost.

Variations:
You can experiment with flavors by adding cinnamon or vanilla to the dough. Also, for a healthier version, you can reduce the amount of sugar or use natural sweeteners.

Enjoy the Jam Cookies, a simple yet flavorful dessert that will bring a smile to anyone who tastes them. Whether you savor them alone or share them with loved ones, these vegan cookies will surely become a favorite recipe!