Tender cookies with plum jam

Tender cookies with plum jam

Who doesn’t love the sweet and aromatic taste of homemade cookies? Today, I invite you on a culinary journey to discover the recipe for tender cookies with plum jam. These delights are perfect for a Sunday afternoon, alongside a warm coffee or perhaps even to be gifted to loved ones.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 10 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes (including cooling time)
Number of servings: Approximately 20 cookies

Necessary ingredients:

- 125 g butter (preferably at room temperature)
- 1 tablespoon sugar (you can use brown sugar for a more caramelized taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- A pinch of salt (helps to enhance the flavors)
- 2 tablespoons cold water
- 200-250 g flour (for optimal results, use type 000 wheat flour)
- Plum jam (or any other preferred jam, but plum jam has a distinctive taste)
- Powdered sugar (for decoration)

Recipe description:

1. Preparing the dough: Start by mixing the butter with the sugar in a large bowl. Use an electric mixer or a spatula to achieve a creamy consistency. The mixture should be smooth and fluffy. This is the ideal time to add a pinch of salt, which will balance the sweetness of the cookies.

2. Adding wet ingredients: At this point, add the two tablespoons of cold water. The water will help bind the ingredients, giving them a less sticky consistency. Mix well to incorporate the water.

3. Incorporating the flour: In another bowl, combine the flour with the baking powder. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture. It is essential to mix with a spatula or use your hands to gently knead the dough. Continue until you obtain a dough that no longer sticks to your hands. If necessary, add a little extra flour.

4. Chilling the dough: Shape the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for about an hour. This step is crucial as it will improve the texture of the cookies and make the dough easier to handle.

5. Forming the cookies: After the dough has chilled, remove it from the refrigerator and roll it out on a floured surface. Start rolling the dough until it reaches a thickness of about 5 mm. Use a cookie cutter (preferably in the shape of a flower) to cut out the cookies. Place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.

6. Baking: Preheat the oven to 175 degrees Celsius. Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes or until the edges start to brown slightly. These cookies are fragile, so be careful not to leave them in the oven too long.

7. Assembling: Once the cookies have completely cooled, take the plum jam and spread a teaspoon of jam on one flower. Place another flower on top and press gently. Repeat the process until you have assembled all the cookies. This combination of textures and flavors will make the cookies irresistible.

8. Finishing: Finally, dust the cookies with powdered sugar for an elegant look and an even sweeter taste.

Serving:

These tender cookies with plum jam are ideal to be served alongside a fragrant coffee or a warm tea. They can also be a wonderful dessert to enjoy with loved ones on winter evenings. Imagine how the flavors come together in every bite – an explosion of taste that will bring smiles to everyone’s faces.

Customized version:

If you want to experiment, you can replace the plum jam with apricot or rosehip jam. You can also add some chopped nuts to the dough for a crunchy texture. Another trick is to add a little vanilla essence to the butter mixture for extra flavor.

Nutritional benefits:

These cookies are a delicious choice, having a moderate calorie content. Each cookie contains approximately 70 calories, and the plum jam brings a dose of vitamins and antioxidants. The butter provides healthy fats, and the sugar from the jam adds a quick source of energy.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use other types of jam?
Yes, you can use any type of jam you prefer, such as strawberry or raspberry jam.

2. How can I store the cookies?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, where they will stay fresh for a few days.

3. Is it possible to freeze the cookies?
Yes, the cookies can be frozen. Wrap them well in plastic wrap or a freezer bag, and you can keep them for up to 3 months.

In conclusion, tender cookies with plum jam are a simple and delicious recipe, perfect for any occasion. Experiment, adapt, and enjoy every bite!

 Ingredients: - 125 g butter - 1 tablespoon sugar - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder - a pinch of salt - 2 tablespoons cold water - 200-250 g flour - plum jam for filling - powdered sugar for dusting