Jam cookies

Jam Cookies: A Classic and Delicious Recipe

Jam cookies are a dessert that reminds us of beautiful days spent with loved ones, family celebrations, and the joy of cooking together. This simple and quick recipe is perfect for bringing a touch of magic to every moment of the day, whether you enjoy them at breakfast or as a sweet snack between meals.

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Baking Time: 10-12 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour and 30 minutes (including dough resting time)
Number of Servings: Approximately 30 cookies

Ingredients:

- 2 eggs
- 250 g lard (or butter, for a richer taste)
- 350 g flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 sachet of vanilla sugar
- 300 g powdered sugar
- Essence: orange or lemon (or both for a complex flavor)
- 50 ml rum (optional, for an intense taste)
- Jam: apricot, currant (or your favorite jam)
- Chocolate for decoration (optional)
- Fondant (optional, for decorations)

Preparing the Dough:

1. Beat the eggs: In a large bowl, beat the two eggs with the powdered sugar, vanilla sugar, and chosen essence (orange or lemon). Use an electric mixer to achieve a smooth and fluffy mixture. This step is essential for incorporating air into the dough, making the cookies fluffier.

2. Add the lard: Incorporate the lard at room temperature, mixing well until fully integrated. If using butter, ensure it is soft but not melted. This will help achieve a fine texture.

3. Incorporate the flour: Mix the flour with the baking powder and gradually add this combination to the egg mixture. It is important to add the flour gradually to avoid lumps. Mix until you obtain a homogeneous dough.

4. Form the dough ball: Once the dough is well mixed, shape it into a ball and wrap it in plastic wrap. Place it in the refrigerator for about an hour. This step allows the gluten to relax, making it easier to roll out the dough.

Shaping the Cookies:

5. Roll out the dough: After the dough has chilled, sprinkle flour on the work surface and roll it out with a rolling pin until it reaches a thickness of about 5 mm.

6. Cut the shapes: Using cookie cutters (or a glass if you don’t have any), cut the dough into the desired shapes. Ensure that each shape has a small indentation in the center, but not all the way through, so you can add the jam.

7. Add the jam: Place a teaspoon of jam in each indentation. Choose a quality jam, as this will influence the final taste of the cookies.

Baking:

8. Prepare the baking tray: Place the cookies on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, leaving about 2 cm between them to allow for expansion during baking.

9. Bake: Preheat the oven to 180°C (or 160°C if you have a convection oven). Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, checking them after 8 minutes, depending on their thickness. The cookies are ready when the edges turn slightly golden.

Decoration and Serving:

10. Let cool: Once the cookies are baked, let them cool on a rack. This step is crucial to prevent the jam from cracking.

11. Decorate: Once completely cooled, you can decorate the cookies with melted chocolate or fondant for a festive look. These details add a touch of creativity and personality to your dessert.

Serving Suggestions:

Jam cookies are perfect to enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee. They can also be a wonderful gift for loved ones, especially during the holidays. You can beautifully package them in decorative boxes and give them as gifts, bringing joy to the hearts of those who receive them.

Tips and Variations:

- Jam variations: Experiment with different types of jam, such as raspberry, blackberry, or even melted chocolate for a decadent version.
- Add spices: A hint of cinnamon or nutmeg in the dough can provide a unique and comforting flavor.
- Nut cookies: Add chopped nuts or almonds to the dough for an extra crunch and flavor.

Calories and Nutritional Benefits:

Jam cookies have approximately 90-100 calories each, depending on the ingredients used and their size. They provide a quick source of energy due to their sugar and carbohydrate content, but it is important to consume them in moderation, considering the fat content from the lard.

Frequently Asked Questions:

- Can I use oil instead of lard?
Yes, but the texture and taste will be different. Oil will not provide the same consistency.

- How can I store the cookies?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their freshness.

- Is it possible to freeze them?
Yes, the cookies can be frozen before baking. Place them on a tray, freeze for a few hours, then transfer them to freezer bags.

Jam cookies are more than just a simple dessert; they are a way to create memories, share moments of joy, and bring smiles to the faces of loved ones. So put on your apron, gather the ingredients, and get ready to turn a classic recipe into a sweet masterpiece! Enjoy!

 Ingredients: 2 eggs, 250 lard, 350 flour, 1 baking powder, 1 vanilla sugar, 300 powdered sugar, essences: orange or lemon.. I made it separately with both, rum, jam: apricot, currant, chocolate for decoration and fondant.

 Tags:  jam cookies christmas recipes