Gobeletti: Traditional Italian Jam-Filled Pastry Delights
If you’re craving a melt-in-your-mouth Italian treat that perfectly balances the richness of butter with the sweet tartness of apricot jam, then Gebeletti are exactly what you need. These deliciously delicate pastries are crafted from a buttery, crumbly shortcrust dough that is generously filled with a rich layer of apricot jam, making for a truly indulgent dessert. A final dusting of powdered sugar gives them the perfect finish, adding an irresistible touch of sweetness.
Ingredients for Gobeletti Pastries
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour (Farina 00) | 250g |
| Unsalted butter (cold) | 150g |
| Granulated sugar | 50g |
| Egg yolks | 20g |
| Apricot jam (Confettura di albicocche) | 150g |
| Powdered sugar (for dusting) | As needed |
Instructions
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Prepare the Shortcrust Dough:
- Start by placing the flour and cold butter, cut into small cubes, in a large mixing bowl. Using your fingertips, gently rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This process helps to achieve that buttery, flaky texture.
- Add the egg yolks and sugar to the bowl, mixing everything together to form a dough. Continue kneading by hand until the dough is smooth and all the ingredients are well combined.
- Once the dough is ready, wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for about an hour. This resting period allows the dough to chill and firm up, making it easier to handle later.
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Roll and Cut the Dough:
- After the dough has chilled, take it out of the fridge and place it on a lightly floured surface. Using a rolling pin, roll out the dough to about 5mm thick.
- Using a fluted cookie cutter, cut out 8 large circles of dough, approximately 9cm in diameter. Then, with a smaller fluted cutter (around 6cm), cut out 8 smaller circles for the tops of the pastries.
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Assemble the Gobeletti:
- Lightly grease 8 tartlet pans (7cm in diameter) with butter. Press the larger dough circles into the bottom of each tartlet pan, ensuring that the dough adheres well to the sides and bottom.
- Spoon about 1 ½ teaspoons of apricot jam into the center of each tartlet, spreading it evenly.
- Place the smaller dough circles over the jam and press down gently along the edges to seal the pastries. Be careful to make sure the edges are tightly sealed to prevent the jam from spilling out during baking.
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Bake the Pastries:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Place the filled tartlet pans on a baking tray and bake for approximately 15-18 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and cooked through.
- Once baked, remove the pastries from the oven and allow them to cool slightly in their pans.
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Finishing Touches:
- Once the pastries have cooled enough to handle, gently remove them from the pans by running a small knife along the edges.
- Before serving, dust the tops of the Gibeletti with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar for a sweet finishing touch.
Serving Suggestions
These little Italian gems are perfect for serving at afternoon tea, dessert parties, or as a delightful homemade gift. The rich, buttery pastry and the sweet apricot filling offer a perfect balance of flavors that are sure to impress your guests. You can also experiment with different jams, such as raspberry or strawberry, if you want to add your own twist to the classic recipe.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | Approx. 250 kcal |
| Total Fat | 15g |
| Saturated Fat | 9g |
| Carbohydrates | 30g |
| Sugars | 15g |
| Protein | 3g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sodium | 10mg |
Tips for Success
- Cold Butter: Make sure the butter is cold when you mix it with the flour; this ensures the pastry will have a flaky texture.
- Chill the Dough: Don’t skip the chilling step, as it makes the dough easier to work with and helps it hold its shape while baking.
- Jam Varieties: While apricot is traditional, feel free to use other fruit jams like raspberry, strawberry, or even peach, depending on your preference.
With their perfect combination of crisp pastry and smooth jam filling, Gibeletti are sure to become a beloved favorite in your dessert repertoire. Enjoy the rich Italian flavors in every bite, and delight in this charming treat that’s simple enough for everyday occasions but elegant enough for special gatherings!
