The festive season in Italy is a time of joy, family gatherings, and delicious treats. One traditional Italian Christmas baking recipe that never fails to bring warmth and comfort to the holiday table is Crostate di Marmellata, also known as Jam Tarts. These delightful pastries are as beautiful as they are delicious, making them a perfect addition to any holiday dessert spread. Bright and fruity, these tarts are sure to be a hit with family and friends alike.
**Crostate Di Marmellata Jam Tarts**
**Ingredients:**
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
– 1 large egg yolk
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup jam (apricot, raspberry, or your favorite flavor)
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
**Instructions:**
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Mix well to ensure all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
2. Add the cold butter pieces to the flour mixture. Using your fingertips or a pastry cutter, work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolk and vanilla extract. Pour the mixture into the flour and butter mixture.
4. Gently mix the wet and dry ingredients together until a dough forms. Be careful not to overwork the dough, as this can make it tough instead of crumbly.
5. Form the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow it to rest and firm up slightly.
6. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
7. Remove the dough from the refrigerator and place it on a lightly floured surface. Roll out the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness.
8. Using a cookie cutter or a sharp knife, cut out circles or shapes from the dough. These will be the bases for your tarts. Re-roll any scraps of dough and continue cutting out shapes until all the dough is used up.
9. Arrange the dough shapes on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one.
10. Spoon a small amount of jam into the center of each dough shape. Be careful not to overfill, as the jam may bubble over during baking.
11. Bake the tarts in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
12. Remove the tarts from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
13. Once the tarts have cooled, dust them with confectioners’ sugar for a festive finish.
**Enjoy these delightful Crostate di Marmellata Jam Tarts with a cup of tea or coffee for a cozy and sweet holiday treat. They also make a lovely homemade gift for friends and family. Happy baking and buon Natale!**
