Tender cookies with nuts and jam
Tender Cookies with Walnut and Jam
Who doesn't love tender cookies, rich in flavors and delicious fillings? These walnut and jam cookies are perfect for a sweet snack, to be enjoyed alongside a cup of tea or coffee, or even to bring a touch of magic during the holidays. What makes these cookies truly special is their fine texture and the aromatic jam filling that perfectly complements the walnut flavor.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Chilling time: 1-2 hours
Baking time: 12-13 minutes
Number of servings: Approximately 20 cookies
Ingredients
- 300 g flour
- 150 g butter (at room temperature)
- 120 g powdered sugar
- 50 g ground walnut
- 1 egg (medium)
- 2 packets of vanilla sugar (or one teaspoon of vanilla extract)
- ½ packet of baking powder
- Jam for filling (we recommend sour cherry or raspberry jam for a more intense flavor)
- Powdered sugar for dusting the cookies
Step by step to perfection
1. Preparing the dough: In a large bowl, mix the flour with the baking powder. Add the diced butter and start kneading with your fingers until you achieve a texture similar to flour. This process will help incorporate air into the dough, making the cookies fluffier.
2. Adding wet ingredients: Next, add the powdered sugar, ground walnut, egg, and vanilla sugar. Mix everything with a spatula or your hands until the ingredients are well combined, resulting in a smooth dough. If the dough is too sticky, you can add a little more flour, but be careful not to overdo it.
3. Forming the dough ball: Once the dough is ready, form it into a ball, cover it with plastic wrap, and place it in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours. This step is crucial as it allows the butter to harden, which will help achieve a tender texture.
4. Rolling out the dough: After the chilling time, take the dough out of the refrigerator and let it sit for a few minutes at room temperature to soften slightly. On a lightly floured work surface, roll out the dough to a thickness of about 0.5 cm.
5. Cutting the cookies: Use a cookie cutter or a glass to cut out the desired shapes. Make sure you have an equal number of whole cookies and perforated ones (those with holes in the middle). The latter will act as a lid, allowing the jam to shine through.
6. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Place the cookies on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and bake for 12-13 minutes. Be careful not to leave them in too long, as they will become hard and dry. The cookies should be slightly golden around the edges.
7. Cooling: After baking, let the cookies cool on the tray for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Filling and dusting: Once the cookies are completely cool, take two cookies, fill them with the chosen jam, and stick them together. Finally, sprinkle powdered sugar on top for an elegant and tempting appearance.
Useful tips
- Jam: The choice of jam is essential. Sour cherry jam provides a tangy note, while raspberry jam adds intense sweetness. You can also experiment with other flavors, such as apricot or plum jam, for customized cookies.
- Walnut: If you want to add a crunchy note, you can use toasted walnuts. This step will enhance the aroma and provide an interesting texture.
- Variations: For an exotic touch, try adding a teaspoon of cinnamon to the dough. You can also replace some of the flour with cocoa for a chocolate cookie variation.
Nutritional information
These tender cookies are rich in calories due to the butter and sugar, but they also offer nutritional benefits from the walnuts, which are a good source of protein and healthy fats. On average, each cookie contains about 100 calories. Moderation is key!
Frequently asked questions
Can I make the dough in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the dough a day ahead and keep it in the refrigerator. Make sure it is well wrapped in plastic wrap.
How can I store the cookies?
These cookies store well in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days. You can cool them completely before storing.
What drinks pair well with the cookies?
These cookies pair wonderfully with a cup of black or green tea, coffee, or even a glass of cold milk.
Personal note
Tender cookies with walnut and jam are not just a treat but also a wonderful way to bring a touch of warmth to colder days. I fondly remember the moments spent with family, gathering around the table and helping to prepare them. I encourage you to share these moments with your loved ones, turning each recipe into an unforgettable story!
Savor each cookie and enjoy every bite!
Ingredients: -300 g flour -150 g butter -120 g powdered sugar -50 g ground walnuts -1 egg -2 vanilla pods -1/2 packet baking powder -jam for sticking (I used sour cherries and raspberries) -powdered sugar for dusting the cookies
