Austrian Jam Cookies, commonly known as Spitzbuben, are delicate sandwich cookies made with tender buttery shortcrust pastry and a bright layer of fruit jam. Traditionally prepared during Christmas and other festive occasions, these charming cookies are as beautiful as they are delicious.The classic version consists of two crisp, buttery cookies sandwiched together with raspberry, redcurrant, or apricot jam.
Austrian Jam Cookies:
‘The upper cookie is often cut with a small heart, star, or round window, allowing the jewel-like filling to show through. A light dusting of powdered sugar completes their elegant appearance.Spitzbuben are a wonderful addition to holiday cookie collections, afternoon tea tables, and homemade gift boxes. Their combination of rich buttery pastry and pleasantly tart jam creates a balanced flavor that is difficult to resist.
History:
Spitzbuben are part of the traditional Central European Christmas-cookie tradition and are particularly popular in Austria and Switzerland. The name is often translated as “little rascals”, adding a playful character to these beautifully decorated cookies.Recipes vary from household to household. Some versions use almonds or hazelnuts in the dough, while others rely on a classic buttery shortcrust. Raspberry and redcurrant preserves are especially popular because their tartness contrasts beautifully with the sweet pastry.Over time, Austrian-style jam sandwich cookies have become a festive favorite far beyond their Central European origins. Their attractive appearance and long shelf life make them particularly well suited to holiday baking and gifting.
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Austrian Jam Cookies
Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough
- 250 g all-purpose flour
- 150 g unsalted butter, softened
- 90 g powdered sugar
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Filling
- 150–180 g raspberry jam
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice, optional
For Finishing
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
- Place the softened butter and powdered sugar in a large bowl.Beat until smooth and creamy.Add the egg yolk, vanilla extract, and lemon zest.Mix until well combined.
- Add the flour and salt gradually.Mix until a soft dough forms.Do not overmix the dough, as excessive mixing can make the cookies tough.
- Shape the dough into a flat disk and wrap it tightly.Refrigerate for 45–60 minutes.Chilling helps the butter firm up and makes the dough easier to roll.
- Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F).Line baking trays with parchment paper.
- Place the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface or between two sheets of parchment paper.
- Use a round cookie cutter approximately 5–6 cm wide.Cut an even number of cookies.For half of the cookies, cut a small decorative window in the center using a tiny heart, star, flower, or round cutter.
- They should remain relatively pale with lightly golden edges.Avoid overbaking.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking tray for several minutes.Transfer them to a wire rack and cool completely before assembling.
- Warm the raspberry jam gently in a small saucepan.If the jam is very thick, stir in a little lemon juice or water.Allow it to cool slightly.
- For the neatest appearance, dust the cutout cookies with sugar before placing them over the jam-filled bases.
- Allow the jam to settle for a little while before serving.Enjoy with coffee, tea, hot chocolate, or as part of a festive cookie platter.
Notes
- Use good-quality butter: Butter is one of the main flavors in these cookies.
- Keep the dough cool: Warm dough can become difficult to roll and cut.
- Don't overwork the dough: This helps preserve the delicate shortcrust texture.
- Roll evenly: Consistent thickness ensures even baking.
- Don't overbake: The cookies should remain pale rather than deeply browned.
- Choose tart jam: Raspberry and redcurrant work especially well.
- Warm thick jam: Slightly warmed jam spreads more easily.
- Dust before assembling: Powdered sugar looks cleaner when applied to the top cookie before sandwiching.
Tips for Austrian Jam Cookies:
- Use powdered sugar rather than coarse granulated sugar for a smoother dough.
- Chill the dough twice if necessary—before rolling and after cutting.
- Roll between parchment sheets to make the dough easier to handle.
- Use the same cutter for all cookies so the pairs match perfectly.
- Keep the cutout centered for a professional appearance.
- Don’t use too much jam, as it can overflow from the sides.
- Let the cookies rest overnight for a softer, more harmonious texture.
- Store them in layers separated by parchment paper to protect the decoration.
FAQs for Austrian Jam Cookies:
1. What are Austrian Jam Cookies called?
They are commonly known as Spitzbuben. They are traditional sandwich cookies made from shortcrust pastry and fruit jam.
2. What jam is traditionally used?
Raspberry and redcurrant jams are particularly popular, although apricot jam is also an excellent choice.
3. Why are they called Spitzbuben?
The name Spitzbuben is commonly translated as “little rascals” and refers to the traditional Central European cookie style.
4. Can I use homemade jam?
Absolutely. Homemade raspberry, strawberry, redcurrant, or apricot jam can give the cookies excellent flavor.
5. Why did my cookies spread?
The butter may have become too warm or the dough may not have been chilled sufficiently. Chilling the cut cookies before baking can help them retain their shape.
6. Can I add nuts to the dough?
Yes. Finely ground almonds or hazelnuts are delicious additions and give the cookies a richer, more aromatic flavor.
7. How long do Austrian Jam Cookies last?
Stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, they can remain delicious for approximately 1–2 weeks.
8. Can I freeze Spitzbuben?
Yes. The unfilled baked cookies can be frozen particularly well. Thaw them completely before filling with jam and dusting with powdered sugar.
Conclusion:
Austrian Jam Cookies, or Spitzbuben, are a beautiful combination of delicate buttery pastry and vibrant fruit filling. Their charming cutout design and snowy powdered sugar finish make them especially attractive for Christmas and festive occasions.For the best results, keep the dough cool, roll it evenly, choose a flavorful tart jam, and avoid overbaking. Once assembled, the cookies become even more delicious after resting, making them an excellent make-ahead treat for holiday gatherings or homemade gifts.