When it comes to Christmas baking traditions in the Czech Republic, one delightful treat that stands out is the Vosí Hnízda, which translates to “Bee Hive Cookies” in English. These charming cookies are not only visually appealing but also a joy to make and enjoy during the festive season. The combination of sweet dough and rich filling is sure to bring warmth and happiness to your home. Let’s dive into the scrumptious world of Czech Christmas baking with this delightful recipe for Vosí Hnízda Bee Hive Cookies.
**Ingredients:**
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 1 egg yolk
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1 cup ground walnuts
– 1/2 cup apricot jam
– Powdered sugar, for dusting
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat the Oven:** Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. **Prepare the Dough:** In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Add in the egg yolk and vanilla extract, mixing well to combine. Gradually add in the flour, mixing until a smooth dough forms.
3. **Form the Cookie Dough Balls:** Roll the dough into small balls, approximately 1 inch in size. Place the balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each.
4. **Create the Bee Hive Shape:** Using your thumb or the back of a small spoon, create an indentation in the center of each dough ball to resemble a bee hive.
5. **Make the Walnut Filling:** In a separate bowl, mix together the ground walnuts and apricot jam until well combined. Spoon a small amount of the filling into each indentation on the dough balls.
6. **Bake the Cookies:** Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until the cookies are golden brown.
7. **Cool and Dust with Powdered Sugar:** Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on a wire rack. Once cooled, dust the tops of the cookies with powdered sugar for a beautiful finish.
8. **Serve and Enjoy:** These delightful Vosí Hnízda Bee Hive Cookies are best enjoyed with a warm cup of tea or coffee, surrounded by loved ones. Share the joy of Czech Christmas baking with your family and friends this holiday season.
9. **Storing Tips:** Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also freeze them for longer storage and simply thaw them at room temperature before serving.
Embrace the festive spirit and bring a taste of Czech Christmas tradition to your home with these delicious Vosí Hnízda Bee Hive Cookies. Enjoy the process of baking and savoring these sweet treats that are not just a delight to the taste buds but also a reflection of the warmth and happiness of the holiday season. Happy baking!
