Nastar Cookies (Pineapple Tart Cookies)
Category: Desserts
Yield: 30 cookies
Nastar cookies, also known as pineapple tarts, are a beloved treat with a rich, buttery pastry encasing a sweet, tangy pineapple filling. These cookies are often enjoyed during festive occasions and make the perfect treat for those who love a combination of sweet and slightly tangy flavors. With a melt-in-your-mouth buttery crust and a homemade pineapple jam filling, Nastar cookies are sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. Follow this detailed recipe for the perfect batch of homemade Nastar cookies.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour (00) | 500g |
| Cornstarch (Maizena) | 100g |
| Butter | 200g |
| Vegetable margarine | 100g |
| Powdered sugar | 100g |
| Egg yolks | 30g (approx. 2 yolks) |
| Salt | 1 pinch |
| Pineapple | 800g |
| Sugar | 100g |
| Orange | 1 (zest) |
| Lemon juice | 1 tablespoon |
| Ground cinnamon | ½ teaspoon |
| Egg yolk (for glazing) | 1 |
| Heavy cream (liquid) | 20g |
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Pineapple Jam (Confettura)
- Begin by preparing the pineapple jam. Start by peeling and cutting the pineapple into chunks.
- In a saucepan, combine the pineapple pieces with the cinnamon, lemon juice, and the zest of one orange.
- Cook the mixture over moderate heat for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- After 20 minutes, transfer the mixture into a blender and blend until smooth, ensuring the texture is completely homogeneous.
- Return the mixture to the stove and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes. This will thicken the mixture, and you can adjust the time based on how much liquid remains.
- Once the mixture has thickened to your liking, transfer it to a bowl and allow it to cool completely.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, using the paddle attachment, combine the margarine and butter. Mix until the fats are fully incorporated and smooth.
- Add the powdered sugar and egg yolks to the butter mixture, continuing to mix until light and fluffy.
- Gradually add the all-purpose flour and cornstarch, mixing just until the dough starts to come together. The dough will be soft but not sticky.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour to allow it to firm up.
Step 3: Form the Pineapple Jam Balls
- Once the dough has chilled, it’s time to prepare the jam filling. Retrieve the cooled pineapple jam from the refrigerator.
- Line a tray with parchment paper. Using a teaspoon, scoop small amounts of the jam and shape them into small balls. Use two spoons to help form the balls and make sure they are uniform in size.
- Once the jam balls are ready, cover the tray with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour. This will help them firm up before placing them inside the dough.
Step 4: Assemble the Nastar Cookies
- After the dough and jam have chilled, preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F) with a static heat setting.
- Take small portions of dough, approximately 30g each, and flatten them slightly in the palm of your hand.
- Place one pineapple jam ball in the center of the flattened dough. Carefully fold the dough around the jam to form a sealed ball, ensuring the jam is fully enclosed by the pastry.
- Arrange the formed dough balls onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Be sure to space them a bit apart to allow for slight expansion during baking.
- In a small bowl, beat the egg yolk with the heavy cream. Brush this egg wash mixture over each cookie ball to give them a golden, shiny finish once baked.
Step 5: Bake and Cool
- Place the tray of cookies in the preheated oven and bake for about 25 minutes, or until they are golden brown. Keep an eye on them toward the end to prevent overbaking.
- Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the tray for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serving and Storage
These delicious Nastar cookies are now ready to be enjoyed! Their buttery, crumbly texture paired with the sweet and tangy pineapple filling creates a delightful bite every time.
- Serve the cookies on a decorative platter or gift them in a box for a thoughtful present.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container to maintain their freshness. They will keep for up to one week at room temperature or longer if refrigerated.
Tips for Perfect Nastar Cookies
- Dough Consistency: If the dough feels too soft to handle, chill it for a little longer. The colder the dough, the easier it will be to shape into balls.
- Pineapple Jam: Make sure to cook the pineapple jam to the desired thickness. If the jam is too liquid, the filling will leak out during baking.
- Egg Wash: The egg wash not only helps give the cookies a golden finish but also adds a slight gloss, making them look even more appetizing.
- Chilling: Both the dough and the jam must be chilled before assembly. This prevents the filling from spilling out and helps maintain the cookie’s shape during baking.
Enjoy these Nastar cookies as a delightful snack with tea or coffee, or simply savor them as a special homemade treat!
