These Buttery Jam-Filled Cookies are a delightful, melt-in-your-mouth treat, combining a tender, buttery dough with a rich filling of raisins, nuts, and a hint of sweet jam. Perfectly sweet with a touch of vanilla, these cookies make an excellent addition to any tea-time spread or holiday dessert tray. The sour cream in the dough provides a delicate tang and helps keep the texture light and soft, while the raisin-nut filling adds a satisfying chew and crunch. Simple to make, these cookies are both nostalgic and indulgent, and sure to please any crowd.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 330 g flour
- 150 g butter, chilled and cubed
- 120 g sour cream
- 1 tbsp milk
- 1 large egg yolk
- ¼ tsp baking powder
- Vanilla extract or vanilla sugar to taste
- Salt to taste
For the Filling:
- 100 g raisins
- 100 g nuts, chopped (e.g., walnuts, pecans, or almonds)
- 1-2 tbsp sugar
- 10-15 g jam or preserves (optional)
Steps to Make Buttery Jam-Filled Cookies
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Mix well.
- Add the chilled butter cubes to the flour mixture. Using your fingers or a pastry cutter, rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- In a separate bowl, mix the sour cream, milk, egg yolk, and vanilla. Add this mixture to the flour-butter mixture and gently knead until a soft dough forms. Do not over-knead.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow it to firm up.
- Prepare the Filling:
- In a small bowl, combine the raisins, chopped nuts, and sugar. Stir well to mix.
- Set aside the jam or preserves if using.
- Roll Out and Fill the Dough:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Divide the chilled dough into 16 equal portions. Roll each portion into a small ball, then flatten it slightly with your hands or a rolling pin.
- Place a small amount of the raisin-nut mixture in the center of each flattened dough portion. If desired, add a small dollop of jam on top of the filling.
- Fold the dough over the filling, pinching the edges to seal. Shape into a crescent or roll shape as desired.
- Bake the Cookies:
- Place the filled cookies on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between them.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 28-30 minutes or until the cookies are lightly golden on the edges.
- Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on a wire rack.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Dust the cookies with powdered sugar if desired, and serve with a warm cup of tea or coffee.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, Approximate)
- Calories: 160 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sodium: 50 mg
- Sugar: 4 g
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I use different nuts in the filling? Yes, you can use any type of nuts you prefer, such as almonds, pecans, or hazelnuts. Each nut brings a unique flavor to the filling.
- Can I make the dough ahead of time? Yes, the dough can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before rolling.
- What kind of jam works best for this recipe? Any jam works well, but apricot, raspberry, or strawberry jam pairs beautifully with the buttery dough and nutty filling.
- How can I make these cookies vegan? Use vegan butter, a dairy-free sour cream substitute, and a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp water) in place of the egg yolk.
- Can I freeze these cookies? Yes, these cookies freeze well. Store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Tips for Making the Best Buttery Jam-Filled Cookies
- Use Cold Butter: Cold butter helps create a tender, flaky texture in the dough. Avoid letting it soften too much before working it into the flour.
- Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough makes it easier to handle and prevents it from becoming too sticky when rolling and shaping.
- Don’t Overfill: A small amount of filling goes a long way. Overfilling can cause the cookies to burst or leak during baking.
- Experiment with Flavors: Try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the filling for extra warmth and depth.
- Check the Baking Time: Since oven temperatures vary, check the cookies at the 25-minute mark to avoid over-baking.
Storage Tips
- In the Refrigerator: Store the cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- In the Freezer: Freeze the baked cookies for up to 2 months. Let them thaw at room temperature before serving.
Conclusion
These Buttery Jam-Filled Cookies with Raisins and Nuts offer a delightful combination of flavors and textures that are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. The soft, tender dough encases a filling of sweet raisins, crunchy nuts, and a hint of fruity jam, making each bite a burst of flavor. Easy to make and perfect for any occasion, these cookies are a wonderful addition to your baking repertoire. Enjoy these tasty treats with loved ones or as an indulgent snack just for you!