Homemade Apricot Jam Cookies with Hazelnut Shortcrust

Introduction

Discover the perfect balance of sweet and nutty flavors with these delightful Apricot Jam Cookies! These elegant rolled treats feature a buttery hazelnut shortcrust pastry wrapped around sweet apricot jam for a delicious combination that’s impossible to resist. Perfect for afternoon tea, holiday cookie exchanges, or simply to enjoy with your morning coffee, these cookies bring the comforting flavors of traditional European baking right to your home. The beautiful swirl pattern created by the jam filling makes these cookies as visually appealing as they are delicious – a true treat for all your senses!

Ingredients

For the Hazelnut Shortcrust Pastry:

1 whole egg
100g (½ cup) granulated sugar
100g (7 tablespoons) butter, softened
20ml (4 teaspoons) milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (or seeds from ½ vanilla pod)
230g (1¾ cups) type 00 flour
70g (⅔ cup) hazelnut flour
6g (1½ teaspoons) baking powder

For the Filling:

150-200g (½-⅔ cup) apricot jam
Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the shortcrust pastry: In a large mixing bowl, beat the egg with the sugar and vanilla extract until well combined and slightly fluffy.
Add the softened butter in small pieces and mix until incorporated. Pour in the milk and continue mixing until smooth.
In a separate bowl, combine the 00 flour, hazelnut flour, and baking powder. Whisk together to ensure even distribution of the baking powder.
Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until a smooth dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
Shape the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This resting period allows the gluten to relax and makes the dough easier to roll out.
Preheat your oven: After the dough has rested, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Assemble the cookies: Remove the chilled dough from the refrigerator and divide it into two equal portions.
On a lightly floured surface, roll out each portion into a rectangle approximately 30cm x 20cm (12″ x 8″) with a thickness of about 0.5cm (¼ inch).
Spread an even layer of apricot jam over each rectangle, leaving a 1cm (½ inch) border along one of the long edges.
Create the rolls: Starting from the long edge opposite to the clean border, carefully roll the dough into a log, similar to making a Swiss roll or strudel.
Seal the edge by gently pinching the dough together along the seam. Ensure the ends are also sealed to prevent the jam from leaking during baking.
Place the rolls seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between them as they will expand slightly during baking.
Bake the rolls: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 20 minutes, or until the rolls are lightly golden brown.
Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to finish cooling.
Slice into cookies: Once the rolls are completely cooled, use a sharp knife to cut them into approximately 3cm (1¼ inch) thick slices.
If desired, dust the cookies with powdered sugar before serving.

Nutritional Information and Timing

Preparation Time: 20 minutes Chilling Time: 60 minutes Baking Time: 20 minutes Cooling Time: 30 minutes Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes Yield: Approximately 20-24 cookies

Nutritional Information (per cookie, based on 24 cookies):

Calories: 130 kcal
Carbohydrates: 18g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 15mg
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 40mg

Cooking Tips and Tricks

Perfect dough consistency: If your dough feels too sticky, add a little more flour (1 tablespoon at a time). If it’s too dry, add a few drops of milk until you reach the right consistency – soft but not sticky.
Working with cold dough: Keep the dough refrigerated until you’re ready to roll it out. Cold dough is easier to handle and results in a more tender cookie.
Even jam distribution: Warm the jam slightly (about 10 seconds in the microwave) to make it easier to spread evenly over the dough without tearing.
Clean cutting technique: For neat slices, use a sharp knife and clean it between cuts. You can also refrigerate the baked and cooled rolls for 30 minutes before slicing for cleaner cuts.
Preventing jam leakage: Don’t spread the jam all the way to the edges of the dough. Leave a border to prevent the filling from oozing out during baking.
Perfect golden color: If the rolls are browning too quickly in the oven, cover them loosely with aluminum foil for the remainder of the baking time.

Variations and Substitutions

Alternative jams: While apricot jam gives these cookies their classic flavor, you can experiment with other fruit preserves such as raspberry, strawberry, or orange marmalade for different taste experiences.
Nut variations: Replace the hazelnut flour with almond flour, walnut flour, or even pistachio flour for different nutty flavors and colors.
Flavor enhancements: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon, cardamom, or orange zest to the dough for additional aromatic notes that complement the apricot flavor.
Chocolate lover’s version: Spread a thin layer of Nutella or chocolate spread before adding the jam for a delicious chocolate-fruit combination.
Gluten-free adaptation: Substitute the 00 flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend at a 1:1 ratio. Add ½ teaspoon of xanthan gum if your blend doesn’t already include it.
Vegan option: Replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water), use plant-based butter, and substitute the milk with almond or oat milk.

Common FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, the dough can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and kept refrigerated. You can also freeze the dough for up to a month – just thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before rolling and baking.

Why did my jam leak out during baking?

This typically happens if the dough isn’t sealed properly or if too much jam is used. Make sure to leave a border when spreading the jam and seal the edges of the roll tightly. You can also try chilling the assembled rolls for 15-20 minutes before baking.

Can I freeze these cookies after baking?

Absolutely! Once completely cooled, these cookies freeze well for up to 3 months. Store them in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

I don’t have hazelnut flour. What can I use instead?

If you can’t find hazelnut flour, you can make your own by grinding blanched hazelnuts in a food processor until fine (be careful not to over-process or you’ll end up with nut butter). Alternatively, use all-purpose flour as a substitute, though you’ll lose some of the nutty flavor.

How do I know when the cookies are perfectly baked?

The rolls should be lightly golden around the edges and firm to the touch. If you notice the bottoms browning too quickly, move the baking sheet to a higher rack in the oven.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Room temperature storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Refrigeration: For longer storage, keep the cookies in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. The cool temperature will help preserve the freshness of the jam filling.
Freezing baked cookies: Place the cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid (about 1-2 hours), then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. This prevents them from sticking together.
Make-ahead dough: The shortcrust pastry dough can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator, or frozen for up to a month. If frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before using.
Refreshing stored cookies: To refresh cookies that have been stored for a few days, warm them in a 150°C (300°F) oven for about 5 minutes. Let them cool slightly before serving for that fresh-baked taste and texture.

These Apricot Jam Cookies with Hazelnut Shortcrust are the perfect balance of simplicity and elegance. The hazelnut flour adds a wonderful nutty dimension that perfectly complements the sweet tanginess of the apricot jam. Whether you’re making them for special occasions, holiday gatherings, or simply to enjoy with your afternoon tea, these beautiful swirled cookies are sure to impress both in appearance and flavor. Their rustic charm combined with their refined taste makes them versatile enough for any occasion – from elegant tea parties to casual family gatherings!