Spitzbuben - Christmas cookies

Spitzbuben - Delicious Christmas Cookies

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 10-12 minutes
Total time: 42 minutes
Number of servings: 24 cookies

Spitzbuben, also known as "jam cookies", are a true Christmas delicacy, perfect for adding a touch of magic to the holidays. With a tender and flavorful dough, these cookies are perfectly complemented by currant jam or any preferred jam. Let's see how we can make these treats step by step.

Ingredients:
- 250 g flour
- 100 g butter (at room temperature)
- 80 g powdered sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Currant jam or any preferred jam (about 200 g)
- Powdered sugar for decoration

Step 1: Preparing the dough
In a large bowl, combine the softened butter with the powdered sugar and vanilla sugar. Beat them together with an electric mixer until you achieve a creamy and fluffy mixture. Add the egg and continue to mix until fully incorporated.

Step 2: Adding the dry ingredients
Sift the flour, baking powder, and salt over the butter and egg mixture. Use a spatula to combine the ingredients, gently mixing until no traces of flour remain. Do not overmix, or the cookies will become too dense.

Step 3: Chilling the dough
Form the dough into a ball and wrap it in plastic wrap. Leave it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This step is essential for achieving a tender and pleasant texture.

Step 4: Shaping the cookies
Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C for fan-assisted ovens) and line a baking tray with parchment paper. Remove the dough from the refrigerator and roll it out on a lightly floured surface until you achieve a thickness of about 3-5 mm. Using a round cutter, cut circles from the dough. From half of these, cut a small window in the center (you can use a smaller cutter or a glass lid).

Step 5: Baking
Place the dough circles on the prepared tray and bake for 10-12 minutes or until they turn lightly golden at the edges. Let them cool on a wire rack.

Step 6: Assembling the cookies
Once cooled, spread a generous layer of currant jam on each whole circle and cover with the cut circles (the ones with the window). Dust with powdered sugar on top for a festive look.

Serving suggestion:
These cookies are ideal for gifting to loved ones or enjoying alongside a cup of tea or coffee. Place them in a beautiful, Christmas-decorated box, and they will become a cherished gift.

Possible variations:
Instead of currant jam, experiment with raspberry jam, peach jam, or even melted chocolate for a delicious alternative. You can also add cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for an even richer flavor.

These Christmas cookies are not only delicious but also a perfect way to gather your family around the table, enriching the holiday atmosphere. Enjoy every bite and turn every moment spent in the kitchen into an unforgettable memory!

I put all the ingredients for the dough in the food processor bowl. It kneaded for a few minutes until the dough became homogeneous. I made a ball, which I rolled out with a rolling pin (between 2 sheets of baking paper). Then I cut out shapes. I baked them at 160°C-170°C for about 8-9 minutes..max 10. After baking, they should cool on a flat surface. I heated the blackberry jam and filled the cookies (those with yellow jelly - bought) - it's a mix of peaches and passion fruit. Enjoy your meal! The Spitzbuben recipe - Christmas cookies was proposed by MAYA on the recipe forum.

 Ingredients: 300 g flour, 150 g soft butter, 100 g sugar, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1 packet vanilla sugar, 1 egg, currant jelly for filling, powdered sugar for dusting.

 Tags:  christmas cookies christmas recipes jam cookies cookie recipes