Winter flowers

Winter Cookies - A Holiday Delight

If you're looking for a sweet recipe that brings joy and warmth to your home during the holidays, winter cookies are the perfect choice. These delicate pastries, with a refined lemon flavor and filled with jam, are not only delicious but also very easy to prepare. I will guide you step by step on how to make these amazing cookies that are sure to impress everyone.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Resting time: 2 hours
Baking time: 20 minutes
Total: 2 hours and 35 minutes
Number of servings: Approximately 20 cookies

Ingredients:
- 200 g pastry margarine (at room temperature)
- 100 g sugar
- 5 tablespoons sour cream
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 300 g flour
- Powdered sugar (for decoration)
- Apricot jam (or any other preferred jam)

A short story about winter cookies:
Winter cookies have become a symbol of the holidays, often made with family during Christmas. This traditional recipe has been passed down from generation to generation and is known for its versatility, as it can easily be adapted using different types of jam and flavors. Additionally, they provide a wonderful opportunity to spend time with loved ones, involving them in the preparation and decoration process.

Step by Step for Winter Cookies:

1. Preparing the dough:
Start by letting the margarine reach room temperature. This step is essential for achieving a smooth cream. In a large bowl, add the margarine and sugar. Mix them together with a spatula or a mixer on low speed until the mixture becomes a fluffy and homogeneous cream. This is the ideal time to add the sour cream, lemon zest, and flour.

2. Adding the wet ingredients:
Continue mixing until all ingredients are well incorporated. You will get a sticky dough that may seem a bit tacky, but this is a sign of a delicious final result.

3. Resting the dough:
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it chill in the refrigerator for 2 hours. This step is crucial, as it allows the dough to firm up, making it easier to shape the cookies.

4. Shaping the cookies:
After the dough has been chilled, prepare your work surface by sprinkling flour to prevent sticking. Roll out the dough to about 5 mm thickness. Use your favorite cookie cutters to cut out the cookies: one solid shape and one cut-out shape (which will have a hole in the middle to show the jam).

5. Baking:
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 20 minutes or until golden at the edges.

6. Assembling:
Once the cookies have cooled, take a solid piece and spread a generous layer of jam on top. Then, place a cut-out piece on top. For a festive look, sprinkle powdered sugar on the cut-out cookies.

Helpful tips:
- Choosing the jam: You can use any type of jam you prefer, from apricot to raspberry or mixed berries. Each variation will give a personal touch to your cookies.
- Vegan option: If you want a vegan alternative, you can replace the margarine with plant-based margarine and the sour cream with a plant yogurt.
- Decoration: The cookies can be decorated with chocolate glaze or sprinkled with ground nuts for added texture and flavor.

Nutritional benefits:
These winter cookies are enjoyable in moderation, having a moderate calorie content due to the margarine and sugar. However, the sour cream provides calcium, and the lemon offers vitamin C, which supports the immune system.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I use butter instead of margarine?
Yes, butter provides a richer taste, but make sure it is at room temperature to achieve a smooth cream.

- How can I store the cookies?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness, or you can freeze the cookies to enjoy later.

- Is this recipe suitable for children?
Absolutely! Winter cookies are perfect for making together with little ones. Involving them in the decoration will add fun and excitement.

Winter cookies are not only a delicious choice for holiday meals but also a wonderful way to create precious memories with loved ones. Whether you enjoy them with a cup of hot tea or gift them to dear ones, these pastries will bring a touch of magic to every winter day. So let’s get to work and fill the house with the aromas of lemon and the sweetness of jam!

 Ingredients: 5 tablespoons sour cream, 200 g margarine for baking, 100 g sugar, zest of one lemon, 300 g flour, powdered sugar, apricot jam (or any kind of jam)

 Tags:  christmas sweets christmas recipes little flowers cookies gem