Currant jam buttons

Currant Jam Buttons - a simple and delicious recipe for a quick dessert that will bring a smile to anyone who tastes them. These cookies with a crumbly texture and a sweet-sour jam filling are perfect to enjoy alongside a cup of tea or coffee, or even as a little treat at a gathering with friends. Let's discover together how we can make these delicious buttons!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Number of servings: 20 buttons

Ingredients
- 150 g wheat flour (preferably type 000 for a fine texture)
- 40 g ground nuts (you can also use walnuts or almonds, depending on your preferences)
- 50 g granulated sugar
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar (or 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract)
- 100 g cold butter, cut into cubes
- 1 egg yolk (using the whole egg can add moisture, but the yolk provides a richer texture)
- 50 g currant jam (preferably homemade for an authentic taste)

Step by step

1. Preparing the dough:
In a large bowl, mix the flour, ground nuts, granulated sugar, and vanilla sugar. It is important to use quality flour, as this will influence the final texture of the cookies. The nuts add a special flavor, but you can experiment with different types of nuts.

2. Adding wet ingredients:
Add the cold butter cut into cubes and the egg yolk to the dry ingredient mixture. Use your fingers or a spatula to incorporate the butter until the mixture becomes crumbly, resembling wet sand. It is essential that the butter is cold; this will make the cookies crisper and help them keep better.

3. Chilling the dough:
Form the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for an hour. This step is crucial as it helps solidify the butter and develop the flavors.

4. Shaping the buttons:
Once the dough has chilled, preheat the oven to 180°C. On a lightly floured surface, form balls about 2 cm in diameter from the dough. Place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, leaving space between them to allow for expansion during baking.

5. Creating the indentations:
With your finger or a teaspoon, make an indentation in the center of each ball. This step not only allows the jam to settle well but also creates an attractive appearance.

6. Filling with jam:
Fill each indentation with currant jam. Be careful not to overfill, as the jam may expand during baking.

7. Baking:
Bake the buttons in the preheated oven for 15 minutes or until they are lightly golden on the bottom edges. Be careful not to leave them too long, as they can dry out.

8. Cooling and serving:
Once ready, let them cool on a cooling rack. You can sprinkle a little powdered sugar on them for an elegant look. These cookies are delicious both warm and cold.

Practical tip
To achieve an even more intense flavor, you can add a pinch of cinnamon to the dough. Also, if you want to turn them into a more sophisticated dessert, serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a warm chocolate sauce.

Recipe history
Currant jam buttons are a traditional recipe that has been cherished for generations, with deep roots in the culture of homemade delicacies. These cookies are often associated with family memories, made with love to be served at festive meals or on ordinary days, bringing a touch of joy in every bite.

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use another type of jam?
Absolutely! You can experiment with strawberry, raspberry, or even sour cherry jam. Each variation will add a distinct note.

2. What can I do with leftover dough?
If you have leftover dough, you can freeze it for later use. Make sure it is well wrapped to prevent freezer burn.

3. How can I store the buttons?
These buttons store well in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them.

Nutritional benefits
These buttons are a good source of healthy fats due to the nuts, and the currant jam brings antioxidants and essential vitamins. However, it is best to consume them in moderation, considering the sugar content.

Possible variations
In addition to currant jam, you can add some chocolate chips or dried fruits to the dough to create a more gourmet version. You can also replace the nuts with coconut flakes for a tropical flavor.

I invite you to enjoy every step of the preparation and bring your personal touch to the recipe! Whether you make them for yourself or for loved ones, these currant jam buttons will surely be a hit. Enjoy them with pleasure!