Stuffed cookies (for Saint Nicholas :D)

Filled Cookies for Lent – A Delicacy for St. Nicholas

Every year, during the holiday season, we start thinking about the sweet surprises we can prepare for St. Nicholas. Filled cookies are an excellent choice, especially since we can adapt them to be suitable for Lent without compromising on taste. In this recipe, we will combine delicious flavors of apples and pears with the perfect texture of the dough, resulting in cookies that are sure to bring a smile to St. Nicholas's face. Let’s get started!

Preparation Time
- Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Baking time: 15-17 minutes
- Total time: 35-37 minutes
- Number of servings: 25-30 cookies

Ingredients

For the Dough
- 150 g margarine (choose a quality margarine without trans fats)
- 100 g sugar
- Zest of 1 lemon (for a fresh taste)
- 300-350 g flour (use white or whole wheat flour, according to preference)
- 1 pinch of salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 50 ml cold water (or soy milk for a creamier version)

For the Filling
- 1 apple (preferably tart)
- 1 pear (choose a ripe pear)
- Juice of ½ lemon (to prevent fruit oxidation)
- 1 teaspoon margarine (about 20 g)
- 2 tablespoons quince jam (or apricot/peach, according to preference)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- Cinnamon (to taste)

Step-by-Step Preparation

Step 1: Preparing the Filling
Start by preparing the filling. Peel the apple and pear, remove the cores, and cut the fruits into small cubes. This will help with even cooking and allow the fruits to break down uniformly in the filling.

1. In a saucepan, add the apple and pear cubes, jam, sugar, lemon juice, margarine, and cinnamon.
2. Place the saucepan over low heat and let the mixture simmer, stirring occasionally, until the fruits become soft and the mixture thickens, about 10-15 minutes.
3. Once the filling is ready, set it aside to cool.

Step 2: Preparing the Dough
While the filling cools, prepare the dough.

1. In a large bowl, mix the margarine with the sugar and salt using a mixer or spatula until you get a smooth cream. The texture should be slightly fluffy.
2. Add the cold water and lemon zest, mixing well.
3. Sift the flour and baking powder, then gradually add them to the margarine mixture. Mix with a spatula or by hand until you obtain a homogeneous dough that easily comes off your hands.
4. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it chill in the refrigerator for 30-40 minutes. This step will help firm up the dough.

Step 3: Shaping the Cookies
After the dough has chilled, take it out of the refrigerator and prepare to shape the cookies.

1. Sprinkle a little flour on the work surface and place the dough on it. Gently knead the dough to make it more pliable.
2. Using a rolling pin, roll out the dough into a thin sheet, about 4-5 mm thick.
3. Using a glass or cookie cutter, cut out equal-sized circles. Make sure you have half of the circles larger and half smaller.
4. On each smaller circle, place a teaspoon of the fruit filling, then cover with a larger circle. Press the edges to seal them well. You can use a fork to create a decorative pattern.

Step 4: Baking the Cookies
1. Preheat the oven to 180°C.
2. Place the cookies on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, leaving space between them to allow for expansion.
3. Bake the cookies for 15-17 minutes or until they are slightly golden on top. Do not leave them in the oven too long, as they may dry out.

Step 5: Finishing
1. Once the cookies are ready, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack.
2. Before serving, dust them with powdered vanilla sugar for a festive look and a sweet-bitter taste.

Serving Suggestions
These cookies can be enjoyed with a fragrant tea or coffee, but also with a glass of plant-based milk for a complete experience. They are also perfect to be gifted as a small present to loved ones, bringing a touch of joy in every bite.

Possible Variations
- Nut Filling: You can also add chopped nuts to the filling for an extra texture and flavor.
- Spices: Try experimenting with other spices, such as ginger or cloves, to give a flavorful twist.
- Whole Wheat Flour: Using whole wheat flour will yield a healthier version, rich in fiber.

Nutritional Benefits
These cookies contain fruits rich in vitamins, contributing to a balanced diet. Whole wheat flour and quality margarine can provide a good source of carbohydrates and healthy fats, while cinnamon is known for its antioxidant properties.

Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use other fruits for the filling? Yes, you can experiment with different types of fruits, such as peaches or plums, depending on personal preferences.
- How can I store the cookies? They store well in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days.
- Can I freeze the cookies? Yes, unbaked cookies can be frozen, and then you can bake them directly from the freezer. Make sure to leave them in the oven a few extra minutes.

I hope this filled cookie recipe brings joy to your homes and that St. Nicholas will be delighted with the treats you prepare. May you have a holiday filled with warmth and happy moments with your loved ones!