Looking to infuse your home with the sweet scents of Christmas? One delightful tradition that beautifully encapsulates the holiday spirit is the Czech practice of Christmas baking. A favorite among Czech families during this festive time is making the delicious Povidlové Koláčky, which are Plum Jam Pastries. These delicate and scrumptious pastries are perfect for serving at holiday gatherings, office parties, or simply for enjoying on cozy evenings at home. Let’s dive into this wonderful recipe that will surely become a staple in your Christmas baking repertoire.
**Povidlové Koláčky Plum Jam Pastries**
**Ingredients:**
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1 large egg yolk
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– A pinch of salt
– 3/4 cup plum jam
– Powdered sugar for dusting
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Dough:**
– In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
– Add the egg yolk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt, and continue mixing until well combined.
– Gradually add the flour, mixing until a smooth dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, you can add a little more flour.
– Shape the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow it to firm up.
2. **Preheat the Oven:**
– Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. **Assemble the Pastries:**
– Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness.
– Using a round cookie cutter or glass, cut out dough circles and transfer them to the prepared baking sheet.
– Make a small indentation in the center of each dough circle using your thumb or a small spoon.
– Fill each indentation with a small amount of plum jam, about 1/2 teaspoon for each pastry. Be careful not to overfill to prevent the jam from spilling over during baking.
4. **Bake the Koláčky:**
– Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the pastries for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
– Keep an eye on them to ensure they do not brown too much.
– Once baked, remove the pastries 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.
5. **Serve and Enjoy:**
– Once the pastries have cooled, dust them with powdered sugar for a festive touch.
– Serve these delectable Povidlové Koláčky Plum Jam Pastries alongside your favorite hot beverage, such as tea or mulled wine, for a cozy and heartwarming treat during the holiday season.
This Czech Christmas baking tradition of making Povidlové Koláčky Plum Jam Pastries is sure to bring joy and delicious flavors to your home this holiday season. Whether you share them with friends and family or savor them with a cup of tea by the fireplace, these pastries are a delightful way to celebrate the magic of Christmas. Enjoy the process of baking these treats and relish the smiles they bring to your loved ones. Happy baking and Merry Christmas!
