Butter Biscuits with Jam (Biscottini al Burro con Marmellata)
Category: Desserts
Servings: 13 biscuits
These delightful Butter Biscuits with Jam, or Biscottini al Burro con Marmellata, are a charming treat to serve during any special occasion, whether itโs a cozy afternoon tea or a festive holiday gathering. The combination of buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookies with a tangy orange jam filling creates a flavor harmony that is simply irresistible. The process is easy to follow, and the outcome is always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour (Farina 00) | 180g |
| Butter (at room temperature) | 100g |
| Granulated sugar (Zucchero) | 70g |
| Egg yolks (Tuorli) | 2 |
| Orange jam (Marmellata di arance) | 30g |
| Powdered sugar (Zucchero a velo) | As needed |
Nutritional Information (Approximate per Biscuit)
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 95 kcal |
| Protein | 1g |
| Carbohydrates | 12g |
| Fat | 5g |
| Fiber | 0.5g |
| Sugar | 6g |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Dough:
Start by sifting the all-purpose flour into a large mixing bowl. Add the granulated sugar and mix gently using your fingers to ensure they are well combined. This step helps to distribute the sugar evenly throughout the flour. -
Incorporate the Butter:
Cut the butter into small cubes and add them to the flour mixture. Using your fingers, rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs. This step is essential for achieving a flaky texture in your biscuits. -
Add the Egg Yolks:
Next, add the egg yolks to the mixture. Use your hands or a spatula to bring the dough together. Continue mixing until the dough starts to form a cohesive ball. If the dough feels too dry, you can add a tiny bit of cold water, but only if absolutely necessary. -
Shape the Dough:
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Roll it into a long log approximately 30 cm in length. Carefully wrap it in plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for about 20-30 minutes. Chilling the dough helps it firm up, making it easier to cut into portions. -
Preheat the Oven:
While the dough is chilling, preheat your oven to 180ยฐC (350ยฐF) in static mode (no fan). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the biscuits from sticking during baking. -
Cut and Shape the Biscuits:
Once the dough is chilled, remove it from the plastic wrap and cut it into small pieces, about 13 portions. Roll each piece into a small ball and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each one. -
Create a Small Indentation:
Use your index finger to gently press down in the center of each ball, creating a small indentation. This will serve as a pocket to hold the jam once the biscuits are baked. -
Bake the Biscuits:
Place the baking sheet on the lower rack of the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the edges of the biscuits begin to turn golden. Keep an eye on them as oven temperatures may vary. -
Cool and Fill with Jam:
Once baked, remove the biscuits from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet. Once they are cool enough to handle but still warm, add a teaspoon of orange jam into the center of each biscuit, filling the indentation you created earlier. -
Finish and Serve:
If desired, lightly dust the tops of the filled biscuits with a bit of powdered sugar for a touch of elegance. Serve the biscuits with tea or coffee, and enjoy these buttery, jam-filled treats!
Tips for the Perfect Biscottini al Burro con Marmellata:
- Butter Temperature: Make sure the butter is at room temperature, as it incorporates more easily into the flour, ensuring a tender texture in your biscuits.
- Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough is crucial for achieving the right consistency and making it easier to shape. If youโre short on time, you can also chill the dough for a shorter period, but longer chilling results in a better texture.
- Jam Variations: While orange jam is traditionally used for this recipe, feel free to experiment with other fruit jams, such as raspberry, apricot, or strawberry, depending on your preference.
These butter biscuits with jam are not only a delightful treat but also a perfect gift when packaged in a decorative box or tin. Enjoy baking and savor the delicious results with your family and friends!
