These Vanilla Butter Cookies are a melt-in-your-mouth treat featuring a buttery base with a hint of vanilla and a dollop of sweet apricot jam. Perfect for tea time, holidays, or anytime you crave a delightful homemade cookie.
Preparation Time:
30 minutes (including chilling time)
Cooking Time:
10 minutes
Total Time:
40 minutes
Servings:
Makes approximately 20 cookies
Ingredients:
- Butter: 200 g (7 oz)
- Powdered Sugar: 100 g (3.5 oz, 1/2 cup)
- Egg: 1
- Flour: 250 g (9 oz, 2 cups)
- Vanilla Sugar: 10 g (1 tablespoon)
- Apricot Jam: For filling
- Salt: A pinch
Directions:
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat 200 g of butter with a hand mixer until smooth and creamy.
- Add 100 g powdered sugar, 10 g vanilla sugar, and a pinch of salt. Mix until well combined.
- Add the egg and continue mixing until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Sift in 250 g of flour and mix until a soft dough forms.
- Shape the Cookies:
- Transfer the dough into a piping bag fitted with a star tip.
- Pipe small rounds or your desired shapes onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Add a small dollop of apricot jam to the center of each cookie.
- Chill the Cookies:
- Place the cookies in the freezer for 30 minutes to firm up.
- Bake the Cookies:
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (392°F).
- Bake the cookies for 10 minutes, or until lightly golden around the edges.
- Cool and Serve:
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Dust with powdered sugar if desired and serve.
Serving Suggestions:
- Pair with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a cozy treat.
- Include in holiday cookie gift boxes for friends and family.
- Serve with a dollop of whipped cream on the side for extra indulgence.
- Enjoy as a sweet finish to a dinner party.
- Use different flavors of jam for variety, like raspberry or strawberry.
Cooking Tips:
- Use room-temperature butter for a creamier dough.
- For a firmer texture, chill the dough before piping.
- If apricot jam is too thick, warm it slightly for easier dolloping.
- Keep an eye on the cookies while baking; they can overbrown quickly.
- Store in an airtight container to maintain their freshness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Buttery and tender texture with a delightful burst of apricot jam.
- Easy to make with simple, everyday ingredients.
- Perfect for festive occasions or as an everyday treat.
- Versatile – customize with your favorite jam flavors or cookie shapes.
Conclusion:
These Vanilla Butter Cookies with Apricot Jam are a classic treat that’s simple to prepare yet impressive in taste and presentation. Whether for special occasions or everyday indulgence, their rich, buttery flavor and sweet jam center make them a favorite for all ages. Bake a batch and enjoy the comforting aroma and taste of homemade cookies!
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use margarine instead of butter?
- How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking?
- Can I substitute vanilla sugar with vanilla extract?
- What other types of jam work well for this recipe?
- Can I make the dough ahead of time and bake later?
- How do I store these cookies to keep them fresh?
- Can I freeze the cookies after baking?
- How do I achieve consistent cookie shapes when piping?
- Can I add chocolate drizzle instead of powdered sugar?
- How long can I store these cookies?