These Apricot Jam Cookies are buttery, tender, and filled with a delightful apricot jam center. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies are simple to make and offer a delicious combination of sweet and tangy flavors. The dough is easy to work with, and the end result is a batch of cookies that will impress both family and friends.
Preparation Time
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Chilling Time: 30 minutes
- Baking Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
Ingredients
- Butter: 200 g (7 oz)
- Powdered Sugar: 100 g (3.5 oz, 1/2 cup)
- Egg: 1
- Flour: 250 g (9 oz, 2 cups)
- Vanilla Sugar: 10 g (1 tablespoon)
- Apricot Jam: For filling
- Salt: A pinch
Directions
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat 200 g of butter with a hand mixer until smooth and creamy.
- Add 100 g of powdered sugar, 10 g of vanilla sugar, and a pinch of salt. Mix until well combined.
- Add 1 egg and continue mixing with the hand mixer until the mixture is fluffy and light.
- Sift 250 g of flour into the bowl and mix until a soft dough forms.
- Shape the Cookies:
- Transfer the dough into a piping bag fitted with a star tip.
- Pipe the dough into small rounds or desired shapes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Add a small dollop of apricot jam to the center of each cookie.
- Chill the Cookies:
- Place the cookies in the freezer for 30 minutes to firm up.
- Bake the Cookies:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (392°F).
- Bake the cookies for 10 minutes or until they are lightly golden around the edges.
- Cool and Serve:
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Dust with powdered sugar if desired and serve.
Additional Information
- Serving Suggestions:
- Serve these cookies with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful treat.
- They also make a great addition to any dessert platter.
- Cooking Tips:
- For a different flavor, you can use other types of jam or preserves, such as raspberry or strawberry.
- Make sure the butter is at room temperature before starting, as this will help create a smooth and creamy dough.
- Nutritional Benefits:
- Apricots: Provide vitamins A and C, along with fiber.
- Butter: Adds richness and flavor to the cookies.
- Dietary Information:
- Vegetarian
- Nut-Free
- Nutritional Facts (per cookie):
- Calories: 120
- Protein: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fat: 6g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Storage:
- Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- They can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- These cookies are buttery and melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
- The apricot jam adds a lovely contrast of sweetness and tartness.
- Easy to make with simple ingredients.
- Perfect for sharing with friends and family during gatherings.
Conclusion
These Apricot Jam Cookies are a wonderful treat that combines the richness of butter with the bright flavor of apricot jam. The cookies are easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion, whether you’re enjoying them with your afternoon tea or serving them at a special event. Their delicate texture and delightful flavor are sure to make them a favorite in your baking repertoire. Enjoy baking and sharing these lovely cookies with your loved ones!
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use margarine instead of butter?
- Yes, but butter provides a richer flavor and better texture.
- Can I substitute the apricot jam with another type of jam?
- Absolutely! You can use any jam or preserve you like, such as raspberry or strawberry.
- Do I need to chill the dough before baking?
- Yes, chilling helps the cookies maintain their shape during baking.
- Can I add nuts to the dough?
- Yes, finely chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts can be added for extra texture.
- How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
- Make sure to chill the dough before baking and avoid overmixing the ingredients.
- Can I make the dough ahead of time?
- Yes, the dough can be prepared in advance and refrigerated for up to 2 days before baking.
- What can I use instead of a piping bag?
- You can use a plastic sandwich bag with the tip cut off, or simply shape the dough by hand.
- How do I ensure the jam doesn’t leak during baking?
- Don’t overfill the center with jam, and make a small indentation in the dough to hold the jam in place.
- Can I use powdered sugar instead of granulated sugar?
- Powdered sugar is used in this recipe for a finer texture, but granulated sugar can be used for a slightly different texture.
- How do I store the cookies to keep them fresh?
- Store them in an airtight container at room temperature, and they’ll stay fresh for several days.