Bayerische Oma’s Spitzbuben

Introduction
Bayerische Oma’s Spitzbuben are delightful German cookies that are traditionally enjoyed during the Christmas season but are perfect for any occasion. These sweet, buttery cookies are filled with fruity jam, typically apricot or raspberry, and are dusted with powdered sugar for an irresistible finish. The name “Spitzbuben” translates to “pointed boys,” referring to the shape of the cookies. This recipe captures the essence of Bavarian baking and is sure to become a favorite in your household.

Preparation Time
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour
Bake Time: 10-12 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 42 minutes
Servings: About 24 cookies
Recipe Intensity
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Hands-On Time: 30 minutes
Chilling Time: 1 hour
Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
Zest of 1 lemon (optional)
For the Filling:
1/2 cup fruit jam (apricot, raspberry, or your favorite flavor)
For Dusting:
Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. If using lemon zest, add it to the dry ingredients.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In another bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes using an electric mixer.
Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until a dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 2: Chill the Dough
Form a Disk: Shape the dough into a flat disk and wrap it in plastic wrap.
Chill: Refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour. Chilling helps the dough firm up, making it easier to roll out.
Step 3: Roll Out the Dough
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Roll the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/8-inch thickness.
Cut the Cookies: Use a round cookie cutter (about 2-3 inches in diameter) to cut out circles. For half of the circles, use a smaller cutter to create a hole in the center (this will be the top cookie).
Step 4: Bake the Cookies
Transfer to Baking Sheets: Place the cut-out cookies on the prepared baking sheets, leaving some space between them.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking.
Cool: Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 5: Assemble the Cookies
Fill the Cookies: Once the cookies are completely cool, spread about 1 teaspoon of fruit jam on the solid cookie bases.
Top with Cut-Outs: Place the cookies with holes on top of the jam-filled cookies, pressing down gently to adhere.
Step 6: Dust with Powdered Sugar
Dust: Just before serving, dust the tops of the cookies with powdered sugar for an elegant finish.
Serving Suggestions
Bayerische Oma’s Spitzbuben are perfect for holiday gatherings, tea parties, or simply as a sweet treat with coffee or tea. They can be served on a decorative platter and are sure to impress your guests with their delightful flavors and charming appearance.

Storage
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want to keep them longer, they can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Nutrition Information (per cookie, based on 24 servings)
Calories: 100
Total Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: 2.5g
Cholesterol: 15mg
Sodium: 50mg
Total Carbohydrates: 14g
Dietary Fiber: 0g
Sugars: 6g
Protein: 1g
Conclusion
Bayerische Oma’s Spitzbuben are a delightful treat that brings a taste of Bavaria to your kitchen. With their buttery texture, fruity filling, and sweet dusting of powdered sugar, these cookies are bound to become a beloved recipe in your collection. Whether you’re sharing them with family and friends or enjoying them on your own, these charming cookies are sure to bring joy to any occasion. Happy baking