During the holiday season in the Czech Republic, family traditions come to life with the delicious aroma of freshly baked treats filling the kitchen. Czech Christmas baking is an art form that celebrates centuries-old recipes passed down through generations. One such delightful treat that graces many Czech tables during the festive season is Třené Cukroví, also known as Piped Shortbread Cookies. These buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookies are perfect for gifting, sharing with loved ones, or simply indulging in with a cup of hot cocoa by the fire. Let’s dive into this timeless recipe that will add a touch of Czech charm to your Christmas baking repertoire.
**Třené Cukroví Piped Shortbread Cookies**
**Ingredients:**
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup powdered sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup cornstarch
– Pinch of salt
– Your favorite flavor of jam for filling (e.g., raspberry, apricot)
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add the vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture and mix until well combined.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt.
5. Slowly incorporate the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, mixing until a smooth dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
6. Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a star-shaped tip for a traditional Czech look. Alternatively, use a cookie press with decorative plates for different designs.
7. Pipe the dough onto the prepared baking sheet in desired shapes, such as wreaths, rosettes, or simple swirls. Leave some space between each cookie as they will expand slightly while baking.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden brown.
9. Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Once the cookies have cooled, spoon your favorite jam into a piping bag or a small plastic sandwich bag with the corner snipped off.
11. Pipe a small dollop of jam into the center of each cookie to add a burst of fruity flavor. Feel free to mix and match different jams for a colorful assortment.
12. Allow the jam to set before serving, and store the cookies in an airtight container to maintain their freshness.
These Třené Cukroví Piped Shortbread Cookies are a delightful addition to any Christmas gathering, afternoon tea, or cozy night in with loved ones. The buttery richness of the shortbread paired with the sweet tanginess of the jam creates a perfect balance of flavors that will have everyone reaching for more. So, roll up your sleeves, put on your favorite apron, and spread some festive cheer with these charming Czech Christmas cookies!
