Apricot Tea Cookies

🍪🫐🍵 Apricot Tea Cookies 🍪🫐🍵

Apricot tea cookies are delightful treats that combine the fruity sweetness of apricots with the comforting warmth of tea. These cookies are perfect for tea time or as a sweet snack to enjoy with friends and family. Let’s dive into their history, components, preparation steps, and the time needed to make them.

📜 History:
The history of tea cookies dates back centuries, originating in England during the Victorian era. These delicate cookies were initially served during afternoon tea gatherings, where they complemented the tea’s flavor. Over time, variations of tea cookies, including the apricot tea cookies, have emerged to cater to various tastes and preferences.

🥣 Components:
Here are the main components you’ll need to make apricot tea cookies:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup dried apricots, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons apricot jam
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for dusting)

👩‍🍳 Preparation Steps:

1. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until it becomes light and fluffy.

2. Add Vanilla and Salt: Mix in the vanilla extract and salt, ensuring they are well incorporated into the mixture.

3. Incorporate Flour: Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the mixture. Mix until the dough comes together and forms a ball.

4. Add Apricots: Gently fold in the finely chopped dried apricots, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

5. Form the Dough: Shape the dough into a log or rectangle and wrap it in plastic wrap. Chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This step helps the dough firm up for easier slicing.

6. Preheat Oven: While the dough is chilling, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

7. Slice and Bake: Once the dough is chilled, slice it into rounds or squares, about 1/4-inch thick. Place the slices on the prepared baking sheet.

8. Apricot Jam Glaze: Brush each cookie with a bit of apricot jam to add a touch of sweetness and flavor.

9. Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until they turn a light golden brown around the edges.

10. Cool and Dust: Allow the cookies to cool on a wire rack. Once cooled, dust them with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness and a beautiful finish.

🕒 Time Needed:

• Preparation: Approximately 20-30 minutes
• Chilling Time: 30 minutes
• Baking Time: 12-15 minutes
• Cooling and Dusting: Additional time may vary but allow at least 15-20 minutes.

In total, you can expect to spend about 1 to 1.5 hours from start to finish to make these delicious apricot tea cookies. Enjoy them with a cup of your favorite tea for a delightful treat! 🍪🫐🍵😊

Certainly! Here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Apricot Tea Cookies:

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, approximately 1 cookie):

• Calories: Approximately 100-120 calories
• Total Fat: 6-8 grams
  • Saturated Fat: 4-5 grams
• Cholesterol: 15-20 mg
• Sodium: 40-50 mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 10-12 grams
  • Dietary Fiber: 0.5-1 gram
  • Sugars: 5-6 grams
• Protein: 1-2 grams

Health Information:

• Apricot tea cookies are a delightful treat but are considered a relatively high-calorie and indulgent snack due to their butter and sugar content.
• They contain saturated fat, which should be consumed in moderation as excessive intake can contribute to heart health issues.
• The dried apricots provide a small amount of dietary fiber and natural sweetness.
• It’s advisable to enjoy these cookies in moderation as part of a balanced diet, especially if you are watching your calorie and sugar intake.

Remember that the nutritional content may vary slightly based on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used in your recipe. Enjoy these cookies as an occasional treat and complement them with a healthy and balanced diet for overall well-being.