Tender little flowers with quince jam

Tender Cookies with Quince Jam

I propose a recipe that will delight you with every bite: tender cookies with quince jam. These treats are perfect for a quick snack, but also to impress friends at a party or family gathering. The cookies have a light texture and melt in your mouth, while the quince jam gives them a sweet-sour taste that will remind you of pleasant childhood memories. Let's discover together how to make them!

Preparation time: 25 minutes
Baking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Number of servings: Approximately 30 cookies (15 pieces filled with jam)

Ingredients

- 225 g butter or margarine (at room temperature)
- 50 g powdered sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 vanilla essence
- 250 g flour
- 75 g cornstarch
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- 3-4 tablespoons of quince jam (or any preferred jam)

Step-by-Step Preparation

1. Preparing the ingredients
Start by gathering all the necessary ingredients. Make sure the butter is soft so that it incorporates easily into the mixture. It is ideal to leave it at room temperature for about 30 minutes before starting.

2. The butter cream
In a large bowl, add the soft butter and powdered sugar. Use an electric mixer to combine them until you obtain a smooth and fluffy cream. This step is essential because the incorporated air will make the cookies lighter.

3. Adding the egg
Add the egg and vanilla essence to the butter and sugar mixture. Continue mixing until the ingredients are perfectly blended. The vanilla aroma will add warmth and transform the cookies into a fragrant delicacy.

4. Combining the dry ingredients
In another bowl, sift the flour and cornstarch. This is important to avoid lumps in the dough. The cornstarch will provide a more delicate texture to the cookies. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter cream, continuing to mix until it becomes an elastic dough.

5. Rolling out the dough
Sprinkle a little flour on the work surface and roll out the dough with a rolling pin until it reaches a thickness of about 0.5 cm. Be careful not to press too hard with the rolling pin; the dough should remain soft and easy to handle.

6. Shaping the cookies
Use a cookie cutter to cut out discs from the dough. From half of the discs, cut out the center with a smaller cutter, so that you obtain cookies with a delicate window in the middle. This will allow the jam to shine through and add extra beauty.

7. Baking
Place the discs on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Bake them in a preheated oven at 180°C for 15 minutes or until golden, but do not leave them too long, as they should remain tender.

8. Filling the cookies
After the cookies have cooled, take the uncut discs and place a teaspoon of quince jam on each. Then carefully stick the discs with the cut-out center on top, forming a sweet sandwich. The quince jam will add a note of freshness and a pleasant contrast to the fragile texture of the dough.

9. Finishing
For an elegant finish, sprinkle the cookies with vanilla sugar. This final touch not only enhances the appearance but also intensifies the sweet flavor.

Practical Tips

- Quince jam: If you don't have quince jam, you can use any other preferred jam, such as apricot or berry jam. Make sure it is well sweetened and without large fruit pieces for even spreading.
- Ingredient temperature: It is important that all ingredients are at room temperature. This helps achieve better homogenization of the mixture.
- Gluten-free version: If you want a gluten-free version, you can replace the flour with a gluten-free flour blend and cornstarch. The result will be equally delicious!
- Serving: These cookies are delicious alongside a cup of tea or coffee. You can also serve them with a glass of cold milk for a perfect breakfast snack.

Nutritional Benefits
Tender cookies with quince jam are a snack option that provides energy due to the natural sugars in the jam. The butter adds healthy fats, while the cornstarch contributes to a light texture. When consumed in moderation, they can be part of a balanced diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use other types of jam?
Yes, you can experiment with various types of jam, such as blackberry, raspberry, or peach. Choose a jam you like, as it will influence the final taste of the cookies.

2. How can I store the cookies?
The cookies are best stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If stored in the fridge, they may become drier.

3. Can I freeze the cookies?
Yes, you can freeze the unfilled cookies. Make sure to wrap them well to prevent freezer burn. When you want to serve them, let them thaw at room temperature and fill them with jam before serving.

Personal Note
This recipe was passed down to me by my grandmother, who used to make them for every special occasion. I learned from her that the goodness of a dish lies not only in the ingredients but also in the love and attention invested in each step. So, when preparing these cookies, remember to make them with heart and enjoy every moment of the process.

Tender cookies with quince jam are an excellent choice for any occasion. I encourage you to try this simple and quick recipe, enjoy its flavors, and especially share it with your loved ones. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: (for about 30 cookies, 15 pieces joined with jam) 225 g butter or margarine, 50 g powdered sugar, one egg, vanilla essence, 250 g flour, 75 g corn starch, one packet of vanilla sugar for the filling; 3-4 tablespoons of quince jam