Hungarian Cookie Treasures are a cherished treat, traditionally served during festive occasions and family gatherings. These cookies are made with a soft, buttery dough and are filled with delicious ingredients like fruit jams, nuts, and even chocolate. Each bite is a treasure trove of flavor, evoking the warmth of tradition and the joy of sharing something special with loved ones. Let’s explore how to make this timeless treat!
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup apricot jam (or your favorite jam)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped walnuts or pecans
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Rolling pin
- Cookie cutters (round or scalloped)
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Spatula
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter, cream cheese, and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight).
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll Out the Dough:
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/8-inch thickness.
- Use cookie cutters to cut out rounds or your desired shape.
- Fill and Fold:
- Place a small dollop of jam in the center of each cut-out. Sprinkle with chopped nuts or mini chocolate chips, if desired.
- Fold the edges of the cookie over the filling, pinching gently to seal.
- Bake:
- Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a bit of space between each.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Let cool completely on a wire rack.
- Dust with Powdered Sugar:
- Once cooled, generously dust the cookies with powdered sugar for a sweet finish.
Tips
- Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough ensures it’s easy to work with and helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking.
- Filling Options: Swap apricot jam for raspberry, cherry, or even fig preserves to suit your taste.
- Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
These Hungarian Cookie Treasures are more than just a dessert; they’re a delightful tradition that brings warmth and happiness to any table. Perfect for holidays, tea parties, or a special treat, these cookies are sure to become a favorite. Gather your ingredients and create your own batch of sweet treasures today!
Hungarian Cookie Treasures – A Delightful Treat for Any Occasion
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Rolling Pin
- Cookie cutters (round or scalloped)
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Spatula
Ingredients
- For the Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1/2 cup cream cheese softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup apricot jam or your favorite jam
- 1/4 cup finely chopped walnuts or pecans
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips optional
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter, cream cheese, and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight).
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll Out the Dough:
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/8-inch thickness.
- Use cookie cutters to cut out rounds or your desired shape.
- Fill and Fold:
- Place a small dollop of jam in the center of each cut-out. Sprinkle with chopped nuts or mini chocolate chips, if desired.
- Fold the edges of the cookie over the filling, pinching gently to seal.
- Bake:
- Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a bit of space between each.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Let cool completely on a wire rack.
- Dust with Powdered Sugar:
- Once cooled, generously dust the cookies with powdered sugar for a sweet finish.
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