During the holiday season, there’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through the house. Bringing warmth and cheer to your kitchen, Polish Christmas baking holds a special place in many households around the world. Today, we are delighted to share with you a classic recipe for “Ciasteczka Z Dżemem,” commonly known as Jam Cookies. These delightful treats feature a buttery, tender dough filled with a sweet and tangy jam center, perfect for accompanying a cup of hot cocoa by the fireplace. Let’s dive into this simple yet indulgently delicious recipe!
Title: Ciasteczka Z Dżemem (Jam Cookies)
Ingredients:
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 egg yolks
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup fruit jam (strawberry or raspberry work well)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy using a hand mixer or stand mixer.
3. Add the egg yolks and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, beating until well combined.
4. Gradually add the flour to the wet ingredients, stirring with a wooden spoon or spatula until a soft dough forms.
5. Shape the dough into a ball and wrap it in plastic wrap. Chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to allow it to firm up slightly.
6. Once the dough has chilled, remove it from the refrigerator. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness.
7. Using a round cookie cutter or the rim of a glass, cut out circles from the dough. Place half of the circles onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each one.
8. Spoon a small amount of jam onto the center of each circle, keeping the edges clean to prevent spills during baking.
9. Gently place another dough circle on top of each jam-filled one, pressing the edges together lightly to seal.
0. Using a fork, crimp the edges of the cookies to secure the two layers together. This also creates a decorative pattern.
1. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are slightly golden. Be cautious not to overbake, as the cookies can turn dry.
2. Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
3. Store the Jam Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, where they can be enjoyed for up to a week. These cookies also freeze well for longer storage.
That’s it! You’ve just baked a batch of delightful Ciasteczka Z Dżemem, perfect for sharing with loved ones or enjoying as a cozy holiday treat. The buttery richness of the cookie pairs beautifully with the fruity pop of the jam filling, creating a harmonious blend of flavors with every bite. These cookies are sure to become a treasured addition to your Christmas baking traditions. Enjoy the festive season with a touch of Polish flair and homemade goodness!
