These Buttery Jam-Filled Cookies with Raisins and Nuts are the perfect blend of sweet and savory, offering a rich, buttery taste paired with crunchy nuts and plump raisins. A dollop of your favorite jam adds a burst of sweetness that enhances the overall flavor. This recipe is ideal for any occasion and can easily become a go-to treat in your baking repertoire.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 330 g flour
- 150 g butter, chilled and cubed
- 120 g sour cream
- 1 tbsp milk
- 1 large egg yolk
- ¼ tsp baking powder
- Vanilla extract or vanilla sugar to taste
- Salt to taste
For the Filling:
- 100 g raisins
- 100 g nuts, chopped (e.g., walnuts, pecans, or almonds)
- 1-2 tbsp sugar
- 10-15 g jam or preserves (optional)
Steps to Make Buttery Jam-Filled Cookies
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine 330 g of flour, ¼ teaspoon of baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Stir well to ensure an even distribution of ingredients.
- Add the Butter: Cut 150 g of chilled butter into cubes and add it to the flour mixture. Using your fingers or a pastry cutter, rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Combine the Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix 120 g sour cream, 1 tbsp milk, 1 large egg yolk, and vanilla extract. Add this wet mixture to the dry ingredients and stir gently until it forms a soft dough. Be careful not to overwork the dough.
- Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow it to firm up.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
- Combine the Raisins and Nuts: In a small bowl, mix 100 g raisins, 100 g chopped nuts, and 1-2 tbsp sugar. Stir the ingredients until well combined.
- Prepare Jam (Optional): If you want to include jam in the filling, add 10-15 g to the mixture. Choose your favorite jam flavor, such as raspberry, strawberry, or apricot.
Step 3: Roll Out and Fill the Dough
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Divide the Dough: After chilling, divide the dough into 16 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball, then flatten it using your hands or a rolling pin to about 1/4 inch thick.
- Fill the Cookies: Place a spoonful of the raisin-nut mixture in the center of each dough round. If you’re using jam, add a dollop of it on top of the filling.
- Shape the Cookies: Fold the dough over the filling, sealing the edges by pinching them together. Shape the filled dough into a crescent or roll shape.
Step 4: Bake the Cookies
- Arrange on a Baking Sheet: Place the filled cookies on the prepared baking sheet. Ensure there’s enough space between each one for even baking.
- Bake: Bake the cookies for 28-30 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown.
- Cool: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Dust the cooled cookies with powdered sugar for an extra touch, and enjoy them with a hot cup of tea or coffee.
FAQs
Can I use different types of nuts in the filling?
Yes, you can use a variety of nuts in this recipe. Walnuts, pecans, and almonds work particularly well, but you can also experiment with hazelnuts, cashews, or pistachios depending on your preference.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time. Simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 2 days before using. Alternatively, you can freeze the dough for up to 3 months.
Is there a substitute for sour cream in the dough?
If you don’t have sour cream, you can substitute it with Greek yogurt or buttermilk. Both alternatives will help achieve a similar texture and tanginess in the dough.
How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
To make these cookies gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that the flour blend you choose is suitable for baking cookies.
Can I use a different type of jam?
Absolutely! You can use any type of jam or preserves that you prefer. Raspberry, strawberry, apricot, or even a citrus marmalade would be excellent choices. You could also experiment with fruit compotes for a more homemade flavor.
How do I store these cookies?
Store the baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If you need to store them for longer, they can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just make sure to separate the cookies with parchment paper before freezing to prevent them from sticking together.
Can I make these cookies without jam?
Yes, the cookies will still taste delicious without jam. The raisin and nut filling alone provides plenty of flavor, but if you prefer a more savory cookie, you can skip the jam entirely.
How can I ensure my cookies turn out perfectly golden brown?
To achieve a golden-brown color, be sure to bake the cookies at the correct temperature (180°C or 350°F) and avoid overcrowding the baking sheet. This will help them bake evenly. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes of baking to ensure they don’t overbake.
Cooking Tips
- Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough before rolling it out helps keep the cookies from spreading too much during baking and ensures a flakier texture.
- Use Cold Butter: Cold butter is key to achieving the right texture in the dough. If the butter becomes too warm during mixing, the cookies may lose their crispiness.
- Customize the Filling: Feel free to adjust the filling ingredients to suit your tastes. You can add more or less sugar depending on how sweet you want the filling, and you can also switch out the raisins for other dried fruits like cranberries or chopped dates.
- Check for Doneness: The cookies should be golden brown around the edges when they are fully baked. If you notice that the bottoms are starting to brown before the tops, reduce the oven temperature slightly to prevent overbaking.
- Make Ahead: These cookies can be made in advance. After baking, store them in an airtight container for up to a week or freeze them for later use. They’re great for batch baking!
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, Approximate)
- Calories: 160 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sodium: 50 mg
- Sugar: 4 g
Conclusion
These Buttery Jam-Filled Cookies with Raisins and Nuts are the perfect combination of sweet, buttery dough and flavorful fillings. The raisins add natural sweetness and texture, while the nuts give each bite a satisfying crunch. With the option to add jam or preserves for extra flavor, these cookies are a versatile treat for any occasion. Whether enjoyed with a warm beverage or served at a gathering, these cookies are sure to impress. Don’t forget to try different variations of nuts and jam to make this recipe your own!