There’s something undeniably comforting about the aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through the house. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a novice in the kitchen, these melt-in-your-mouth cookies are the perfect treat to whip up with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction. Soft, buttery, and delicately flavored, these cookies are sure to become a family favorite. With a hint of cocoa and a sweet apricot jam filling, they offer a delightful balance of flavors and textures that’s simply irresistible.
Ingredients
To make these delicious cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Soft butter: 150g
- Sugar: 80g
- Vanilla sugar: 8g
- Vegetable oil: 1 tablespoon
- Egg: 1
- Flour: 360g + 1 tablespoon
- Baking powder: 5g
- Cocoa powder: 1 tablespoon
- Apricot jam (for filling)
- Coconut flakes (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough Base:
- Begin by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the soft butter, sugar, and vanilla sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is essential for achieving the cookies’ tender texture.
- Add the vegetable oil and the egg to the butter mixture, and continue to beat until fully incorporated.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and cocoa powder. This ensures even distribution of the baking powder and cocoa, giving your cookies a consistent rise and rich flavor.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until a soft dough forms. The dough should be pliable and easy to handle, but not too sticky. If necessary, add the extra tablespoon of flour to achieve the desired consistency.
- Shape the Cookies:
- Using your hands, form the dough into small, walnut-sized balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one as they will spread slightly during baking.
- Press your thumb gently into the center of each ball to create a small indentation. This will be where the apricot jam goes, giving the cookies their signature look and flavor.
- Add the Filling:
- Spoon a small amount of apricot jam into the center of each cookie. Be careful not to overfill, as the jam will spread as the cookies bake.
- Bake the Cookies:
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cookies are just beginning to turn golden around the edges. You don’t want to overbake them, as they should remain soft and delicate.
- Garnish with Coconut Flakes:
- Once the cookies are out of the oven, let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- While the cookies are still warm, sprinkle them with coconut flakes, pressing lightly so the flakes adhere to the apricot jam.
Conclusion
These melt-in-your-mouth cookies are the perfect blend of simplicity and indulgence. The buttery dough, paired with the sweetness of the apricot jam and the subtle crunch of coconut flakes, makes for a cookie that’s as delightful to eat as it is to make. Whether you’re baking them for a special occasion or just because, these cookies are sure to impress. Enjoy them with a glass of milk, a cup of tea, or simply on their own as a delicious treat that melts away your worries with every bite!