Empire Crumble Cookies

Background

Empire Crumble Cookies are a delightful dessert that has their roots steeped in history tracing back to the early days of baking adventures in the United States. Famed for their crumbly texture and rich flavors, these cookies became a household favorite during the 19th century. The Empire State of New York is often credited for enhancing these treats with local variations that added complexity through a unique blend of ingredients and spices.

Ingredients

• Flour - 2 cups
• Sugar - 1 cup
• Unsalted Butter - 1 cup
• Baking Powder - 1 teaspoon
• Vanilla Extract - 1 teaspoon
• Egg - 1
• Salt - 1/2 teaspoon
• Jam of choice - 3/4 cup

Preparation

Before embarking on making the Empire Crumble Cookies, it’s important to gather all your ingredients and equipment. Preheat your oven to 350°F, and then prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.

Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix them well ensuring there are no lumps for an even distribution of ingredients throughout the cookies.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a separate larger mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar until it's light and fluffy. This process could take about 3-5 minutes. It's essential to have the butter at room temperature for easy mixing.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

To the creamed butter and sugar, add in the egg and vanilla extract. Beat these together until everything is combined and smooth.

Step 4: Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures

Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix until a dough begins to form. Be careful not to over-mix, as the dough should be slightly crumbly in texture.

Cooking Process

Step 1: Form Cookies

Using your hands, roll out dough into walnut-sized balls and place them onto the prepared baking sheet. Make sure they are evenly spaced to prevent them from merging while baking.

Step 2: Create Indents

Gently press your thumb in the center of each dough ball to create a small well. This well will later hold the delicious jam of your choice.

Step 3: Filling the Jam

Spoon a small amount of jam into the well of each cookie. Be careful not to overfill, as it can spill over during the baking process.

Step 4: Bake the Cookies

Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven and bake for approximately 12-15 minutes. Use a cooking timer to ensure they don’t over bake. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges are lightly golden. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

Enjoying Empire Crumble Cookies

Once your Empire Crumble Cookies have cooled, they are ready to serve. Enjoy them with a cup of tea or coffee. These crumbly cookies pair wonderfully with a light afternoon tea, making them the perfect treat for gatherings or as an indulgent snack. For storage, place them in an airtight container and they’ll maintain their deliciousness!

Variations

You can experiment with different flavors by swapping out the jam with options like chocolate spread or lemon curd. Let your creativity shine!