Simple Cookies

Simple cookies with jam and chocolate glaze

When you crave a quick and delicious dessert, these simple cookies are the perfect choice. With a crunchy texture and rich flavor, they are perfect for both afternoon tea and morning coffee. Plus, they are easy to make, and the final result is always appreciated. Here’s how to prepare them step by step.

Preparation time: 25 minutes
Baking time: 15-20 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Number of servings: 20-25 cookies

Ingredients:
- 100 g butter or margarine (choose quality butter for a richer taste)
- 100 g sour cream (you can use full-fat sour cream for a richer dough)
- 3-4 tablespoons of sugar (adjust the amount according to your preferences)
- 300 g flour (approximately, add gradually)
- A pinch of baking soda (to help the cookies rise)
- 10 g yeast (optional, for a fluffier texture)
- Apricot jam (for filling, but you can also use plum or raspberry jam)
- Chocolate for glazing (about 100 g, you can use dark, milk, or white chocolate)
- 2-3 tablespoons of milk or rum (for melting the chocolate)
- Powdered sugar (for decoration)

Instructions:

1. Preparing the dough:
Start by placing the butter or margarine in a large bowl. Let it soften at room temperature to make it easier to work with. Add the sour cream and sugar, mixing well until you achieve a smooth composition.

2. Add the dry ingredients:
Begin to gradually add the flour, baking soda, and yeast (if you choose to use it). Knead the dough with your hands until it becomes a firm but easy-to-roll dough. It’s important not to add too much flour; the dough should pull away from your hands and the sides of the bowl but remain slightly sticky.

3. Resting the dough:
Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let the dough rest for at least 15 minutes. This step will help develop the gluten, making the dough easier to roll out.

4. Shaping the cookies:
After the dough has rested, roll it out on a lightly floured surface until you achieve a sheet about 1 cm thick. Use cookie cutters or a glass to cut out circles or other shapes. Place the cookies on an ungreased baking tray, leaving a little space between them for even baking.

5. Baking:
Preheat the oven to 150 degrees Celsius. Bake the cookies for 15-20 minutes or until the edges turn golden. It’s important not to leave them in the oven too long, as they can dry out.

6. Cooling and filling:
Remove the tray from the oven and let the cookies cool in the tray for 1-2 minutes. Then transfer them to a rack to cool completely. Once cooled, you can start filling them with apricot jam, applying a generous amount of jam on one side and placing another cookie on top.

7. Glazing:
Meanwhile, melt the chocolate together with the milk or rum in a double boiler or microwave, stirring until it becomes a smooth mixture. Spread the chocolate glaze over the cookies or you can dip them completely in chocolate. Let them set on a rack.

8. Serving:
Once the glaze has set, you can sprinkle powdered sugar on top for an elegant look. These simple cookies are perfect to be served alongside a cup of tea or a fragrant coffee.

Possible variations:
- Instead of using apricot jam, you can experiment with other types of jams or even chocolate.
- Add ground nuts to the dough for extra texture and flavor.
- For a more exotic taste, you can add a splash of vanilla or rum essence to the dough.

These simple cookies are not only delicious but also easy to customize, so they can suit your tastes. Try them and enjoy a quick and tasty dessert that will surely impress everyone who tastes it!