Hey there, cookie lovers!
The holiday season is here, and it’s time to get our bake on!
Today, I’m super excited to share a festive treat: Christmas cookies with jam filling.
These little delights are sweet, buttery, and packed with a burst of fruity goodness.
They’re perfect for sharing with family or just treating yourself.
Let’s spread some holiday cheer, one cookie at a time!
| Preparation Time | 20-30 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 15-20 minutes |
| Total Time | 35-50 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Medium |
Ingredients
- 3 large eggs
- 3/4 cup white sugar
- 1 cup melted lard or unsalted butter, cooled
- 2 teaspoons vanilla essence
- 4 cups all-purpose flour (about 510 grams), with extra for rolling
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 (12-ounce) jar tart jam (like rose hip, plum, raspberry, or apricot)
- Powdered sugar for garnish
Step 1: Gather Ingredients and Preheat Oven
Start by gathering all the necessary ingredients: 3 large eggs, 3/4 cup granulated sugar, 1 cup melted lard (or unsalted butter, cooled to room temperature), 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract, 4 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for rolling), 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1 jar (12 ounces) tart jam (such as rose hip, plum, raspberry, or apricot), and confectioners’ sugar for garnish.
Position a rack in the upper and lower third of the oven and preheat it to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2: Prepare the Egg-Sugar Mixture
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the eggs and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and foamy, about 5 minutes.
Alternatively, you can use a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment for this step.
Step 3: Integrate Lard and Vanilla Extract
Slowly add the cooled lard (or melted butter) to the egg-sugar mixture while continuously whisking.
Once combined, whisk in the 2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract until everything is well incorporated.
Step 4: Form the Dough
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together 4 cups of all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon of baking powder.
Gradually add this flour mixture to the egg mixture, combining until it forms a firm dough.
Step 5: Roll Out the Dough
Divide the dough into thirds.
On a parchment-lined cookie sheet, roll out one portion of the dough to a 1/8-inch thickness, lightly flouring the surface to prevent sticking.
Repeat this process with the remaining portions of dough.
Step 6: Assemble and Bake
Spread an even layer of tart jam (about 12 ounces) over the rolled-out dough.
If preferred, use different types of jam on different portions of the dough for a variety of flavors.
Once done, bake in the preheated oven, positioning one cookie sheet on the upper rack and one on the lower rack.
Bake for about 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
Step 7: Final Touches and Serve
Let the pastry cool completely on a wire rack.
Once cool, sprinkle confectioners’ sugar over the top for garnish.
Cut into squares or desired shapes and serve.
Enjoy your delicious, homemade pastries!
