Cookies with jam and nuts

Jam and Walnut Cookies – A delicacy that combines tradition with flavor

Who doesn’t love the aroma of freshly baked cookies during the cold season? Jam and walnut cookies are a true delight that brings a touch of warmth to every home. These cookies are not only easy to prepare but also exceptionally tasty, making them ideal for winter evenings or as a sweet snack alongside a cup of tea or coffee. Besides their flavor, jam cookies are an excellent gift choice, beautifully packaged in a metal box.

Total preparation time: 40-45 minutes
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 20-25 minutes
Number of servings: Approximately 20-25 cookies

Essential ingredients:
- 200 g butter (at room temperature)
- 100 g sugar
- 1 tablespoon sour cream (preferably sweet)
- 1 egg yolk
- 300 g flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon Bourbon vanilla powder (for an intense flavor)
- Fruit jam (your preference, make sure it’s thick)
- Chopped nuts/hazelnuts/almonds (for decoration)

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by taking the butter out of the fridge and letting it sit at room temperature until it becomes soft and creamy. This step is essential for achieving a uniform mixture. Prepare all other ingredients so that they are handy throughout the process.

2. Creating the base for the cookies: In a large bowl, add the soft butter and sugar. Use a mixer to combine them at medium speed until you achieve a fluffy, light-colored mixture. This will be the base of your cookies, so ensure it is well homogenized.

3. Adding the wet ingredients: Add the sour cream and egg yolk to the butter and sugar mixture. Continue mixing at low speed until everything is well incorporated. The vanilla powder will add a delicious aromatic note, so don’t skip it!

4. Incorporating the dry ingredients: In another bowl, combine the flour with the baking powder. I recommend sifting the flour to avoid lumps. Start adding the flour mixture gradually to the bowl with the wet ingredients, gently mixing with a spatula or with the mixer on low speed. Once you have a homogeneous dough, form it into a ball.

5. Shaping the cookies: On a clean surface, break off pieces of dough from the ball and form small balls, about the size of a walnut. Then, roll them in the chopped nuts, ensuring they stick well. Place the balls on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.

6. Creating spaces for the jam: Using a round object (like the bottom of a bottle or, as you mentioned, a vanilla vial), form a small indentation in the center of each ball. This is where the jam will be added.

7. Adding the jam: With this indentation, fill it with your preferred jam. Make sure it’s a thick jam; otherwise, it will spill during baking. If you don’t have homemade jam, I highly recommend Raureni jams, which are very consistent.

8. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). When the temperature is right, place the tray in the oven and bake the cookies for 15-20 minutes or until they turn golden around the edges.

9. Cooling and storing: After baking, let the cookies cool on a cooling rack. If you can resist eating them all, they can be stored for up to 10 days in well-sealed metal boxes.

Useful tips:
- You can replace the jam with melted chocolate or hazelnut spread for a more decadent version.
- If you prefer a crunchy note, add a bit of cinnamon powder to the dough.
- These cookies are also great for holidays, so don’t hesitate to make them in larger quantities!

Nutritional benefits:
Jam and walnut cookies are a good source of healthy fats from nuts, and the jam adds a touch of vitamins and antioxidants, depending on the fruits used. However, it is important to note that these are a dessert and should be consumed in moderation.

To complete the culinary experience, I suggest serving them alongside a cup of fruit tea or aromatic coffee. The combination of flavors will turn every bite into a true feast for the senses.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use other types of nuts? Yes, depending on your preferences, you can use hazelnuts or almonds, each bringing a different flavor.
- What jam is the most suitable? You can experiment with various jams, but plum or raspberry jams are highly appreciated for their balance between sweet and tart.

These jam and walnut cookies are definitely an excellent choice for moments when you want to impress or simply want to treat yourself and your loved ones. So, don’t hesitate to try the recipe and enjoy the final result. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: - 200 g butter - 100 g sugar - 1 tablespoon sour cream - 1 egg yolk - 300 g flour - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon Bourbon vanilla powder - fruit jam (to taste) - chopped nuts/hazelnuts/almonds