Ingredients:

• Salt – A pinch
• Vanilla sugar – 8 g (about 1 tablespoon)
• Fine sugar – 90 g (about ½ cup)
• Eggs – 2 large
• Oil – 90 ml (about 6 tablespoons)
• Cornstarch – 100 g (about ¾ cup)
• Flour – About 300 g (2 ½ cups), added in batches
• Strawberry jam – Optional, for filling

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. Beat the Eggs and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, crack 2 large eggs and add 90 g of fine sugar along with 8 g of vanilla sugar. Beat the mixture using a hand mixer or whisk until the eggs are pale and the sugars are dissolved, about 2-3 minutes. This helps incorporate air into the mixture, giving the cookies a light texture.
2. Add the Oil: Slowly pour 90 ml of oil into the egg-sugar mixture, continuing to whisk. The oil will make the dough soft and pliable. Mix until the oil is fully incorporated, creating a smooth batter.

Step 2: Add the Dry Ingredients

1. Incorporate Cornstarch: Gradually add 100 g of cornstarch into the wet mixture. The cornstarch helps create a light, crumbly texture for the cookies, giving them a melt-in-your-mouth feel. Stir until fully combined.
2. Add the Flour Gradually: Begin adding about 300 g of flour in batches. Start with 200 g and stir it into the dough using a spatula or wooden spoon. Continue adding flour until the dough comes together and is no longer sticky. You might not need all 300 g depending on your dough’s consistency, so add the flour gradually.
3. Add the Pinch of Salt: Don’t forget to add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness and enhance the flavors.
4. Knead the Dough: Once the flour is incorporated, knead the dough gently until smooth. The dough should be soft but firm enough to hold its shape when rolled out.

Step 3: Shape and Prepare the Cookies

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Form the Cookies: Take small portions of the dough (about a tablespoon) and roll them into small balls between your palms. If you want to add jam, use your thumb or the back of a spoon to create a small indent in the center of each ball.
3. Add Strawberry Jam (Optional): If using strawberry jam, spoon a small amount (about ½ teaspoon) into the center of each indentation. The jam adds a delicious fruity contrast to the rich vanilla cookie.
4. Place on Baking Sheet: Arrange the dough balls (or thumbprint cookies) on the lined baking sheet, leaving space between them as they will spread slightly during baking.

Step 4: Bake the Cookies

1. Bake the Cookies: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the cookies for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are just turning golden brown. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t overbake—these cookies should remain soft and light in color.
2. Cool the Cookies: Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. The cookies will firm up as they cool but should remain soft and tender inside.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

1. Serve the Cookies: Once the cookies are completely cooled, they’re ready to serve. You can dust them with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness, or enjoy them as they are. These cookies pair perfectly with a cup of tea, coffee, or a glass of milk.

Cooking Tips:

• Don’t Overmix: When adding the flour, be careful not to overmix the dough. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
• Keep the Dough Soft: If the dough becomes too firm while working with it, you can add a teaspoon of milk to soften it up. Alternatively, if the dough is too sticky, add a bit more flour until it’s workable.
• Customizing the Filling: If you’re not a fan of strawberry jam, you can fill the cookies with other jams or spreads like raspberry jam, apricot preserves, or even chocolate spread.
• Chill the Dough: If you find the dough too soft to handle, you can chill it in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes before shaping the cookies. This helps to firm up the dough and makes it easier to roll.

Storage:

• Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They will stay soft and fresh for several days without drying out.
• Freezing: You can freeze the unbaked cookie dough balls by placing them on a baking sheet in the freezer until firm, then transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to bake, simply add a few minutes to the baking time. Baked cookies can also be frozen for up to 2 months.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving, Based on 24 Cookies):

• Calories: 120-130 kcal
• Protein: 2-3 g
• Fat: 5-6 g
• Carbohydrates: 15-18 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Sugar: 6-7 g
• Sodium: 40-50 mg

These cookies provide a sweet, satisfying treat with a moderate amount of calories. They contain a balance of fats, carbs, and sugars, making them ideal for a quick snack or dessert.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. Can I substitute the oil with butter? Yes, you can substitute the oil with melted butter for a richer flavor. Use the same amount (90 ml) of melted butter, and the cookies will have a slightly more buttery taste and a softer texture.

2. How do I know when the cookies are done? The cookies are ready when the edges turn lightly golden. Be careful not to overbake them as they should remain soft inside. The tops should stay pale, which ensures a tender texture.

3. Can I add other flavors to these cookies? Absolutely! You can add a teaspoon of lemon or almond extract for a different flavor profile. You can also sprinkle cinnamon or nutmeg into the dough for a warm, spiced variation.

4. What can I use instead of cornstarch? If you don’t have cornstarch, you can replace it with an equal amount of all-purpose flour, though the cookies may not be as soft and delicate without the cornstarch.

5. Can I make these cookies gluten-free? Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend instead of regular flour to make these cookies gluten-free. Ensure that the blend you use is designed for baking and includes a binding agent like xanthan gum.

Conclusion:

These soft vanilla sugar cookies with strawberry jam are a delightful treat that’s both easy to make and sure to please. The combination of vanilla-flavored dough and the optional fruity jam filling makes them perfect for any occasion. The use of cornstarch ensures that the cookies stay light and tender, while the simple ingredients make this recipe a go-to for quick baking sessions. Whether you’re making them for an afternoon snack, a tea party, or as part of a festive spread, these cookies are bound to become a favorite. Enjoy the sweet, soft bites with a hint of fruitiness, and savor the simplicity and elegance of these homemade treats!