Spitzbuben - Christmas cookies

Spitzbuben - Delicious Cookies for Christmas

Christmas is fast approaching, and with it, the magic of the holidays inspires us to gather around the table, enjoy delicious treats, and share our favorite recipes. One of the most beloved traditions is baking cookies, and Spitzbuben, these little delights, will bring a touch of elegance and flavor to the festive table. These cookies are not only tasty but also a true feast for the eyes, making them perfect for gifting or enjoying with loved ones.

Total preparation time: 2 hours 30 minutes (2 hours for dough resting, 30 minutes for preparation and baking)
Number of servings: Approximately 30-35 cookies

Ingredients:

- 400 g flour
- 200 g butter (at room temperature)
- 3 egg yolks
- 100 g sugar
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 50 g ground nuts (or walnuts/almonds, as preferred)

For decoration:
- Powdered sugar (optional, but recommended for a festive look)

For filling:
- Fruit jam of your choice (apricot, raspberry, or berry jam are the most suitable)

The History of Spitzbuben

Spitzbuben, or "clever little thieves," have their origins in Christmas traditions from various cultures, being a combination of delicate cookies filled with jam. This recipe has been passed down from generation to generation, bringing families together to enjoy the preparation and tasting of these treats. Their distinctive shape, with a "jam eye," makes them not only delicious but also attractive, becoming a symbol of the holidays.

Preparing the Dough

1. Start by preparing the dough. In a large bowl, combine the flour with the diced butter. Use your fingers to knead the two ingredients until you achieve a texture similar to wet sand.

2. Add the sugar, vanilla sugar, egg yolks, lemon zest and juice, and ground nuts. Mix the ingredients well until you obtain a homogeneous dough. It is important not to knead too much, to maintain the crumbly texture of the cookies.

3. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 hours. This step is essential, as it helps to firm up the dough, making it easier to roll out later.

Baking the Cookies

4. After the dough has chilled, preheat the oven to 200°C. Prepare the baking tray and line it with parchment paper.

5. On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about 5 mm thick. Use cookie cutters to cut out various shapes; you can choose circles, stars, or hearts, depending on your preferences.

6. Place the cut cookies on the prepared tray. You can use a smaller cutter to create "eyes" in the center of one of the top shapes, which will be placed on top of the filled cookie.

7. Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes or until they turn golden. Be careful, as baking times may vary depending on your oven.

Cooling and Filling

8. Once the cookies are baked, allow them to cool completely on a cooling rack. It is important not to fill the cookies while they are warm, as the jam will melt.

9. Once cooled, take a cookie without an "eye" and spread a generous layer of jam on its surface. Place the cookie with the "eye" on top, dusted with powdered sugar if desired.

10. Continue until all cookies are filled. You can store them in an airtight container to maintain their freshness.

Practical Tips

- Ingredient substitutions: If you don’t have nuts, you can use ground walnuts or almonds. These will provide a similarly delicious taste and interesting textures.
- The jam: Choose a high-quality jam for the filling. Apricot or raspberry jams are the most suitable, but you can experiment with any type you prefer.
- Powdered sugar: If you prefer cookies without powdered sugar, you can leave them as they are. They will be just as tasty and less sweet.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, you can replace part of the white flour with whole wheat flour to add extra fiber and a richer flavor.

2. How can I store the cookies?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, where they will stay fresh for up to a week.

3. Can I freeze the cookies?
Yes, the cookies can be frozen. Make sure to wrap them well to prevent freezer burn.

Delicious Combinations

Spitzbuben pair perfectly with a cup of hot tea or a glass of mulled wine. You can also serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an unforgettable dessert.

Let's conclude with a personal note: these cookies remind us of the holidays spent with family, when we gather around the table, with smiles and aromas of goodness. Try this recipe, and I promise it will quickly become a tradition in your own family. Enjoy!