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Recipe for NuSi Wheels: Cookies with Apricot Jam and Walnut

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 15-20 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: Approximately 30 wheels

In the sweet world of baking, there are a few recipes that manage to delight our hearts and taste buds with every bite. Today, we venture into a delicious recipe for NuSi Wheels, delicate and aromatic cookies filled with apricot jam and sprinkled with walnuts. These wheels are perfect for enjoying with coffee, tea, or even at festive gatherings.

A Short Story

NuSi Wheels have become a beloved part of cooking traditions, often associated with moments of celebration and family joy. These cookies are so versatile that they can be adapted to everyone's tastes. Delicate and tender, the wheels are an excellent choice to add a touch of magic to special moments. Whether you make them for Christmas or for an ordinary day, the result will always be impressive.

Ingredients

- 210 g flour (choose a quality flour for the best results)
- 140 g butter (preferably at room temperature for easy incorporation)
- 85 g powdered sugar (this will add a fine sweetness)
- 2 egg yolks (make sure they are fresh for a perfect taste)
- 1 tablespoon of sour cream (creamy, will add moisture to the dough)
- 2 tablespoons of ground walnuts (for a rich taste and texture)
- 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar (to sprinkle over the wheels)
- 1 egg white (unbeaten, to brush the dough circles)

Necessary Equipment

- A baking tray
- Baking paper
- A small glass (with a diameter of about 3 cm)
- A thimble or another tool to poke holes in the dough

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preparing the dough:
In a large bowl, combine the flour with the powdered sugar. Add the diced butter and mix the ingredients with your fingertips or a mixer until you get a sandy texture. Add the egg yolks and sour cream, continuing to mix until a homogeneous dough forms. Avoid over-kneading to maintain the fragile texture.

2. Chilling the dough:
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 20 minutes. This will help firm up the butter, making it easier to roll out later.

3. Rolling out the dough:
After the dough has chilled, sprinkle a little flour on the work surface and roll it out with a rolling pin until it reaches a thickness of about 5 mm.

4. Cutting the circles:
Use a small glass to cut circles from the dough. Make sure to use a little flour on the edge of the glass to prevent sticking. For the circles you will use as a lid, use a thimble or a similar tool to make a hole in the center.

5. Brushing and rolling:
Brush the perforated circles with the unbeaten egg white, then roll them in the ground walnuts mixed with granulated sugar. This step will give them a delicious texture and an attractive appearance.

6. Baking:
Place the circles on a baking tray lined with baking paper, leaving a little space between them. Bake in a preheated oven at 180 °C for 15-20 minutes, or until they turn lightly golden. Be careful, as baking time may vary depending on the oven.

7. Assembling:
After they have cooled, take two circles: one without a hole and one with a hole. Spread apricot jam on the solid circle and cover it with the perforated circle. Press gently to stick them together.

Practical Tips

- Types of jam: Although apricot jam is delicious, you can experiment with other types of jams, such as raspberry or sour cherry, to add a personal touch.
- Egg wash: If you want an even shinier appearance, you can use a diluted egg yolk with a little water to brush the wheels before rolling them in walnuts.
- Storage: These wheels are excellent the next day when the jam has had time to soak into the dough, making them more tender. Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them fresh.

Nutritional Benefits

These wheels are a source of carbohydrates from flour, healthy fats from butter, and proteins from eggs. Walnuts add fiber and omega-3, contributing to a balanced diet when consumed in moderation. Each wheel can contain approximately 70-80 calories, depending on size and ingredients used.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, but the texture and taste will be different. Butter provides a superior flavor and texture.

- How can I make the wheels less sweet?
You can reduce the amount of sugar in the dough or choose a jam with less sugar.

- Can I freeze the wheels?
Yes, you can freeze the unassembled wheels. Make sure to keep them in an airtight container. When needed, let them thaw before assembling them.

Serving and Pairings

These NuSi wheels pair perfectly with a cup of aromatic tea or coffee. You can also serve them alongside ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an elegant dessert. A personal idea would be to gift them, carefully packaged, to spread joy around you.

Enjoy every moment spent in the kitchen, experimenting and adapting this simple recipe to suit your tastes. NuSi Wheels are not just a recipe but an unforgettable experience full of flavor and warmth. Enjoy your meal!