Lenten cookies filled with jam and hemp seeds

Vegan cookies filled with apricot and strawberry jam

There are moments in life when a simple dessert, yet full of flavor and taste, can transform your day. These vegan cookies filled with apricot and strawberry jam are not only a delight for the taste buds but also an excellent choice for those following a diet free of animal-derived ingredients. Moreover, they are very easy to prepare! Let's see together how we can create these treats.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Number of servings: 20 cookies

Necessary ingredients:

- 250 g margarine at room temperature
- 4 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 vial vanilla essence
- 2 tablespoons plant-based cream
- a pinch of salt
- 450 g freshly sifted white flour
- 1/2 packet baking powder
- apricot and strawberry jam (about 200 g of each)
- fructose and hulled hemp seeds for decoration

History and context:

Cookies are an ancient culinary tradition found in many cultures around the world. These sweet delights, usually made from simple ingredients, have evolved over time, becoming enjoyed in various forms. Vegan cookies, such as those in this recipe, are a perfect choice to honor culinary traditions without compromising dietary principles.

Step by step to achieve perfect cookies:

1. Preparing the dough:
In a large bowl, add the margarine at room temperature. It should be soft but not melted, to mix easily. Add a pinch of salt, brown sugar, vanilla essence, and plant-based cream. Use a spatula or an electric mixer to combine the ingredients. Mix until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. The brown sugar will give a deeper flavor and a moister texture to the cookies.

2. Incorporating dry ingredients:
In another bowl, sift the white flour together with the baking powder. This is an essential step as sifting the dry ingredients helps prevent lumps and ensures an even distribution of the baking powder. Gradually add the flour to the margarine mixture, mixing with a spatula until you obtain a soft and moldable dough.

3. Shaping the cookies:
Sprinkle a little flour on the work surface and roll out the dough into a sheet about 5 mm thick. This way, the cookies will have a pleasant, crispy texture. Use the desired shapes to cut out the cookies. You can opt for classic shapes like circles or stars. If you want a special look, cut the center of half the cookies using a metal nozzle or another cutting tool.

4. Baking the cookies:
Preheat the oven to 175 degrees Celsius. Place the cookies on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, leaving a little space between them to allow for expansion. Bake the cookies for about 20 minutes, or until they turn golden. It is important not to leave them too long to avoid drying them out.

5. Filling and decorating:
After the cookies have completely cooled, fill each whole cookie with strawberry and apricot jam. These flavor combinations add a delicious contrast and a splash of color. Place a cut-out cookie on top to form a sandwich and decorate with hulled hemp seeds. These seeds not only enrich the cookies with a crunchy texture but also add nutritional benefits, being a good source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids.

6. Finishing:
For a touch of sweetness, sprinkle the filled cookies with fructose. This will add a shiny appearance and a sweet taste without using refined sugar.

Serving:
Arrange the cookies on a beautiful platter and enjoy them with a cup of aromatic tea or hot coffee. These cookies are perfect for a snack during the day or to be enjoyed with friends on special occasions.

Useful tips:
- If you want to add a hint of flavor, you can replace the vanilla essence with almond essence for a distinct note.
- Instead of jam, you can use vegan chocolate cream for a more decadent version.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh for several days.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use another type of fat instead of margarine?
Yes, you can use vegan butter or coconut oil, but keep in mind that the texture and taste may vary.

2. How can I make these cookies healthier?
You can replace some of the flour with whole wheat flour or add other seeds to the filling.

3. Can the cookies be frozen?
Yes, unfilled cookies can be frozen. Make sure to keep them in an airtight container.

These vegan cookies filled with jam are undoubtedly a worthy choice to be savored. Easy to make and full of flavors, they bring a smile to anyone who tastes them. Enjoy!