If you are looking to delight your friends and family with a charming and scrumptious treat, the Spitzbuben Biscuits Recipe (Swiss Jam-Filled Cookies) Recipe is an absolute must-try. These delicate Swiss cookies are tender, buttery, and lovingly filled with fruity jam, creating a perfect balance of crispness and sweetness. Whether you enjoy them with a hot cup of tea or as part of a festive spread, these jam-filled biscuits capture a timeless homemade quality that feels like a warm embrace in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Spitzbuben Biscuits Recipe (Swiss Jam-Filled Cookies) Recipe calls for simple, classic ingredients that work together beautifully to create the perfect cookie. Each one contributes essential elements: the flour gives structure, the butter adds richness, and the jam brings a vibrant fruity contrast that ties everything together.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the sturdy yet tender base for the dough.
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (plus more for dusting): Sweetens delicately and dusting adds a festive look.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses a warm, aromatic flavor that enhances the overall taste.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and deepens the flavor profile.
- 1/2 cup seedless raspberry or strawberry jam: The luscious filling that makes these cookies irresistibly charming.
How to Make Spitzbuben Biscuits Recipe (Swiss Jam-Filled Cookies) Recipe
Step 1: Creaming the Butter and Sugar
Start in a large mixing bowl by beating the softened butter and powdered sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step is crucial because airy butter incorporates more moisture and helps your cookies bake up tender and delicious.
Step 2: Incorporate Vanilla and Dry Ingredients
Next, stir in the vanilla extract to the creamed butter mixture. Then gradually add the flour and salt, mixing gently just until a soft dough forms. Avoid over-mixing here so your biscuits stay tender and melt in your mouth.
Step 3: Chill the Dough
Divide the dough into two discs, wrap them tightly with plastic wrap, and pop them into the fridge to chill for about an hour. This helps the dough firm up, making it easier to roll out and cut into perfect shapes.
Step 4: Rolling and Cutting the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Roll out one chilled dough disc on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness. Using a round or scalloped cookie cutter, cut out the base cookies. For the tops, use the same cutter but then a smaller cutter to create a little window in the center – this charming detail lets the jam peek through beautifully. Don’t toss your scraps—roll them out again to minimize waste!
Step 5: Baking to Perfection
Arrange your cut cookies about one inch apart on the lined sheets. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until the edges are just barely golden. Once baked, let them cool on the cookie sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling fully is important so the jam doesn’t melt when added.
Step 6: Assembling the Spitzbuben Biscuits
Spread roughly half a teaspoon of your chosen jam onto each base cookie. Gently press the top cookies with the cutouts over the jam to create the classic sandwich look. Finally, dust generously with powdered sugar for that irresistible snowy effect that makes these biscuits so festive.
How to Serve Spitzbuben Biscuits Recipe (Swiss Jam-Filled Cookies) Recipe
Garnishes
A light dusting of powdered sugar is the classic and most flattering garnish for Spitzbuben biscuits. It’s simple but finishes the cookies with a beautiful, delicate snow-kissed look that makes them perfect for any season. You can also sprinkle a few edible flower petals or tiny sprinkles for extra flair if serving at a party.
Side Dishes
These Swiss jam-filled cookies pair wonderfully with a steaming cup of black tea, coffee, or even a glass of cold milk. For a special occasion, serve them alongside fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to create a decadent dessert platter that everyone will adore.
Creative Ways to Present
Elevate your presentation by arranging Spitzbuben biscuits on a tiered cake stand or packing them in decorative tins as thoughtful gifts. You can also sandwich different-colored jams between the cookies to make a vibrant and playful assortment that dazzles the eyes as much as the palate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your assembled Spitzbuben biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Proper storage keeps the cookies tender and the jam fresh, so you can enjoy these sweet treats anytime.
Freezing
If you want to make these cookies ahead of time, freeze the unassembled dough or baked cookies separately. This recipe’s dough freezes well when wrapped tightly, and once thawed, can be rolled and baked fresh. Also, baked cookies can be frozen before assembling to preserve their crispness.
Reheating
Since these biscuits are delicate, reheating is not usually necessary. However, if you want a bit of that freshly baked warmth, briefly warm the cookies in a low oven (about 300°F/150°C) for just a few minutes, but beware not to melt the jam or powdered sugar dusting.
FAQs
Can I use other types of jam for this recipe?
Absolutely! While raspberry jam is traditional and pairs beautifully with the buttery biscuit, apricot, strawberry, or red currant jams are fantastic alternatives that add their own unique sweetness and color.
Is it necessary to chill the dough for an hour?
Chilling the dough is highly recommended as it solidifies the butter, making the dough easier to work with and helping the cookies keep their shape during baking. Skipping this step may result in cookies spreading too much.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend, though texture might slightly differ. Make sure your blend is suitable for cookies, and consider adding a binder like xanthan gum if it’s not already included.
How long do these jam-filled cookies last?
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, Spitzbuben biscuits remain fresh for about one week. Beyond that, the texture and flavor can begin to degrade.
Can I assemble the cookies before baking?
It’s best to bake the cookies first and then assemble after they have completely cooled. Baking assembled cookies could cause the jam to melt and the biscuit to lose its delicate texture.
Final Thoughts
Making the Spitzbuben Biscuits Recipe (Swiss Jam-Filled Cookies) Recipe is such a joy, especially when you see how easily simple ingredients come together to create something spectacular. The charming jam windows, tender crumb, and sweet dusting make these cookies an instant favorite for every occasion. I wholeheartedly encourage you to try this recipe and share the warmth of Swiss baking with your loved ones.
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Spitzbuben Biscuits Recipe (Swiss Jam-Filled Cookies) Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (includes 1 hour chilling time)
- Yield: 20 sandwich cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Swiss
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Spitzbuben Biscuits are traditional Swiss jam-filled sandwich cookies made from a tender buttery dough, dusted with powdered sugar. These delightful cookies feature a crisp texture with a sweet raspberry or strawberry jam center, perfect for festive occasions or everyday treats.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (plus more for dusting)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Filling
- 1/2 cup seedless raspberry or strawberry jam (or your favorite jam)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and powdered sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract and mix to combine. Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt, mixing just until a soft dough forms.
- Chill the Dough: Divide the dough into two equal portions, shape each into a disc, wrap with plastic wrap tightly, and refrigerate for 1 hour to firm up.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cookie removal and even baking.
- Roll and Cut the Cookies: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of chilled dough to about 1/8 inch thickness. Use a round or scalloped cookie cutter approximately 2 inches wide to cut out the base cookies. For the cookie tops, cut the same shape, then use a smaller cutter (such as a star or circle) to remove the center to create a window. Reroll the scraps as needed to cut more cookies.
- Bake the Cookies: Arrange the cookies at least 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 8–10 minutes until the edges are just beginning to turn golden. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.
- Assemble the Cookies: Once cooled, spread about 1/2 teaspoon of jam on each of the bottom cookie halves. Gently press the top cookies with the cutouts over the jam, sandwiching them together.
- Finishing Touch: Dust the assembled sandwich cookies generously with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
- Traditionally made with raspberry jam, but apricot, red currant, or strawberry jams are excellent alternatives.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- You can freeze the cookies before assembling them to keep them fresh longer.
- Rolling the dough evenly ensures consistent cookie thickness and even baking.
- Use chilled dough for easier handling and cleaner cookie shapes.
