Step-by-step preparation
1. Achieve a perfect creamy base
Begin by placing the room-temperature butter in a large bowl. It is important that it is not cold, as this would make it difficult to beat and affect the final texture. Add the sugar and beat with an electric or hand mixer until you obtain a smooth, creamy mixture that is slightly lighter in color.
This step is essential, since incorporating air into the butter results in a lighter texture in the cookies.
2. Add the eggs and vanilla.
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure they are properly incorporated. Then add the vanilla, which will provide a delicious aroma and a deeper flavor.
The mixture should be homogeneous and slightly fluffy.
3. Add the flour and form the dough
. Incorporate the flour little by little. You can do this in several batches to facilitate integration. First, mix with a spatula or wooden spoon, and when the dough begins to come together, use your clean hands to finish combining it.
You should obtain a smooth, malleable dough that doesn't stick to your fingers. If you find it's too soft, you can put it in the refrigerator for 20 to 30 minutes to firm it up.
4. Shape the balls.
Take small portions of dough and shape them into balls of the same size. If you want all the cookies to be uniform, you can use a measuring spoon or a scale to weigh each portion.
Place the balls on a baking tray lined with baking paper, leaving space between them as they will expand slightly in the oven.
5. Make the indentation and fill.
Using your index finger or the handle of a wooden spoon, gently press the center of each ball to create a small indentation. Then fill each indentation with a small amount of strawberry jam.
Do not add too much jam, as it could overflow during cooking.
6. Bake until golden brown.
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Bake the cookies for approximately 12 minutes or until the edges begin to turn slightly golden.
It's important not to overbake them so they stay soft inside. They'll be slightly soft when you take them out of the oven, but they'll reach the perfect texture as they cool.
Tips for spectacular results:
If you want a crispier texture, you can bake them for an extra minute or two.
You can substitute the strawberry jam with raspberry, peach, blueberry, or even dulce de leche.
Add lemon or orange zest to the dough for a special aromatic touch.
Sprinkle with powdered sugar once they are completely cool for a more elegant presentation.
Storage and preservation:
One of the great advantages of this recipe is that it keeps very well:
In an airtight container at room temperature, they last up to 1 week.
You can freeze them for up to 2 months in tightly sealed containers.
You can also freeze the raw dough already formed into small balls and bake them directly when you need them (just add 1 or 2 extra minutes of baking time).
Why does this recipe make so many?
The secret lies in the balance between butter and flour. The half kilo of flour allows you to obtain a consistent dough that can be divided into many small portions without losing its structure. By forming moderately sized balls, it's easy to make more than 50 cookies.
This makes it an ideal option for family gatherings, children's parties, home sales, or simply to have a sweet treat ready for several days.
Perfect for any occasion!
These cookies are not only delicious, but also versatile. You can make them for:
Celebrations and birthdays.
Homemade gifts.
Dessert tables.
To accompany coffee or tea.
Sale of artisanal pastries.
If you decide to give them as gifts, place them in glass jars with a decorative ribbon. It's a simple but very special touch.
A classic that never fails:
Jam-filled cookies are a classic of homemade baking. Their soft texture combined with the slightly acidic contrast of the fruit creates a balanced experience that delights both children and adults.
Baking cookies at home has something magical about it: the aroma that fills the kitchen, the moment of shaping each little ball with your hands, and the satisfaction of watching them brown in the oven. It's a perfect activity to share with the little ones in the family and create unforgettable memories.
The final result
: You'll get cookies that are golden on the outside, soft on the inside, and with a shiny, sweet center that makes them irresistible. With just half a kilo of flour, basic ingredients, and a few minutes of preparation, you can enjoy more than 50 little treats ready to share.
Give them a try and discover how a simple recipe can become one of your favorites. Once you taste them, you'll surely make them again and again.
