Ingredients:
- 500 g flour
- 250 g margarine
- 120 ml plain yogurt
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 packets vanilla sugar
- Fruit jelly or jam of your choice
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough: Begin by placing the margarine in a large mixing bowl. Add the plain yogurt and vanilla sugar. Use a hand mixer or a whisk to beat the mixture until it’s smooth and fluffy. The margarine should blend with the yogurt to create a creamy consistency. This step is essential for achieving the light, airy texture that will make these cookies delightful. Gradually add the flour to the mixture, followed by the powdered sugar. Mix until the dough starts to come together and forms a soft, smooth texture. It’s important to add the ingredients step by step to avoid any lumps and ensure the dough has an even consistency.Once everything is incorporated, the dough should be soft but firm enough to hold its shape when rolled out. If the dough feels too sticky, you can add a little more flour. However, be cautious not to add too much, as this can make the dough too dry and tough.
2. Roll Out the Dough: After mixing the dough, lightly flour your work surface. Place the dough on the floured surface and roll it out to about 5 mm in thickness. Rolling the dough to the correct thickness is crucial to ensure that the cookies bake evenly and have the right texture. If the dough is too thick, the cookies may turn out too dense, and if it’s too thin, they may become overly crisp and break easily.Using a star-shaped cookie cutter (or any shape you prefer), cut out the cookies. These cookies are often made in star shapes, especially for festive occasions like Christmas, but you can experiment with other shapes such as hearts, circles, or squares to suit your preferences. Be sure to place the cut-out dough on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent them from sticking during baking. If you don’t have parchment paper, you can lightly grease the baking sheet with butter or oil.
3. Bake the Cookies: Preheat your oven to 150°C (300°F). Carefully place the baking sheet with the cookies in the oven and bake them for about 15 minutes. Keep an eye on the cookies during the baking process. The exact baking time may vary depending on your oven and the thickness of the cookies, so it’s important to check the cookies as they bake. They should turn a light golden color on the edges but remain pale in the center. Overbaking them can make them too dry, so be sure to remove them from the oven as soon as they are set and lightly golden.After baking, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Cooling the cookies on a rack allows the air to circulate around them, ensuring they remain crisp.
4. Assemble the Cookies: Once the cookies have cooled completely, it’s time to assemble them. Take one cookie and spread a layer of fruit jelly or jam on its surface. You can use any fruit jelly or jam you prefer, such as strawberry, raspberry, apricot, or even a mixed fruit jam. The jam adds a touch of sweetness and a bit of fruity flavor that complements the soft texture of the cookies.Take another cookie and gently press it on top of the jam-covered one. This will create a sandwich effect. Be careful not to press too hard, as the cookies are delicate and could break. Repeat this step with the remaining cookies until all of them are assembled into sandwich-like treats.
5. Finish and Serve: To give the cookies a festive touch, lightly dust the tops with powdered sugar. This will not only make them look more appealing but also add a subtle sweetness to each bite. You can serve them on a platter for a special occasion, or enjoy them with a cup of tea or coffee. These cookies are perfect for sharing with family and friends or as a delightful homemade gift during the holidays.This recipe makes approximately 60 pieces, depending on the size of the cookie cutter used. The cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for several days. If you want to keep them fresh for a longer period, you can freeze them. Simply layer the cookies between sheets of wax paper and store them in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy them, let them thaw at room temperature for a few hours, and they’ll be just as delicious as when they were freshly baked.
Additional Tips and Variations:
- Flavor Variations: If you want to add a twist to the flavor of these cookies, you can experiment with adding a teaspoon of lemon zest or orange zest to the dough for a citrusy aroma. Alternatively, you could add a small amount of ground cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, spiced flavor.
- Filling Options: In addition to fruit jelly or jam, you could fill these cookies with other spreads such as Nutella, peanut butter, or even a chocolate ganache for a richer treat. The filling possibilities are endless, so feel free to get creative based on your preferences.
- Decorations: If you’re making these cookies for a special event, such as Christmas or a birthday, you can decorate the tops with colorful sprinkles, edible glitter, or even drizzled chocolate for an extra touch of flair.
- Making Ahead: These cookies are perfect for preparing in advance. You can make the dough and cut out the cookies, then freeze them before baking. When you’re ready to bake, simply pop them in the oven from frozen and add a few extra minutes to the baking time. This is a great way to save time if you have a busy schedule but still want to enjoy freshly baked cookies.
- Serving Suggestions: These cookies are versatile and can be served in various ways. They’re perfect as a snack with tea or coffee, but you can also use them as a dessert for a holiday dinner. Pair them with a glass of milk, or serve them alongside a fruit salad or a scoop of ice cream for a special treat.
With their delicate texture and delightful filling, these cookies are sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or simply to satisfy a sweet tooth, they’re a wonderful way to indulge in something homemade and delicious. Enjoy every bite!
