Vanilla cookies filled with jam and nuts

Vanilla cookies filled with jam and nuts

Welcome to the sweet world of filled cookies! Today, I will share with you a delicious recipe for vanilla cookies filled with plum jam and nuts, which will delight your senses and bring a touch of happiness in every bite. These cookies are perfect for gatherings with friends, celebrations, or simply to treat yourself on less busy days. Whether you are an experienced cook or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe is simple, quick, and will give you the satisfaction of making something truly special.

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

Ingredients:

For the dough:
- 150 g butter at room temperature
- 125 g powdered sugar
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla essence
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 300-350 g flour (as needed)

For the filling:
- Plum jam (preferably with a thick consistency)
- Ground nuts (or coarsely chopped)

For decoration:
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)

Preparation:

1. Preparing the dough: In a large bowl, add the softened butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla sugar. Using a mixer or spatula, mix well until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. It is important that the butter is at room temperature, as this will help achieve a fine texture.

2. Adding flavors: Add the vanilla essence and egg to the butter and sugar mixture. Mix again until everything is well combined. The egg will provide moisture and make the dough easy to handle.

3. Incorporating dry ingredients: In another bowl, combine the flour with the baking powder. Gradually incorporate the flour mixture into the butter mixture, stirring until you obtain a non-sticky and manageable dough. If the dough is too sticky, gradually add a little more flour until it meets your desired consistency.

4. Preparing the filling: In a small bowl, mix the plum jam with the ground nuts. The secret here is to use jam with a thick consistency to prevent the filling from leaking during baking. Coarser nuts will add a pleasant crunch to the cookies.

5. Shaping the cookies: Here comes the fun part! Take a manual citrus juicer and place a plastic wrap greased with a few drops of oil inside it. Form small balls from the dough and place them in the indentation of the juicer. Using your fingers, make an indentation in the middle of each ball, then add a teaspoon of the jam and nut mixture. Cover the filling with the edges of the dough and remove the cookie using the plastic wrap.

6. Baking: Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Preheat the oven to 180 °C and bake the cookies for 15-20 minutes, or until they become golden and fragrant.

7. Cooling: Once the cookies are baked, let them cool on a cooling rack. After they have completely cooled, dust them with powdered sugar for an elegant and delicious appearance.

Chef's tip: If you want to experiment with flavors, try adding orange or lemon zest to the dough. You can also use other types of jams or fillings, such as chocolate mixed with nuts or finely chopped dried fruits. Make sure the filling is well bound to maintain the shape of the cookies.

Nutritional benefits: These cookies have a moderate calorie content, thanks to natural ingredients like butter and nuts. Nuts provide healthy fats, protein, and fiber, making them more nutritious. Additionally, plum jam contains antioxidants and essential vitamins.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use another type of jam? Yes, any preferred jam or even chocolate can be used.
- How can I store the cookies? Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness.
- Can I freeze the cookies? Yes, you can freeze them before baking or after they have completely cooled.

Serving suggestions: These cookies pair perfectly with a cup of tea or coffee. Additionally, a glass of cold milk will complement the sweet and vanilla flavor of the cookies, making them an ideal treat for any time of the day.

So, get ready to enjoy these vanilla cookies filled with jam and nuts, which are not only delicious but also very easy to make! Start experimenting with different fillings and flavors and turn every cooking session into a true culinary adventure! May each cookie be a piece of happiness in every bite!