Espejitos Uruguayos

Espejitos Uruguayos, also known as "little mirrors," are a delightful pastry from Uruguay that captures the essence of Latin American baking. These sweet treats are characterized by their glossy, glazed surface, which gives them the appearance of small mirrors, hence the name. The dessert is deeply rooted in the culinary traditions of Uruguay, where it is enjoyed on special occasions and family gatherings. Often accompanied by a cup of tea or coffee, Espejitos Uruguayos provide a perfect balance of sweetness and flavor in every bite.

Ingredients

• Flour - 2 ½ cups
• Butter - 1 cup, softened
• Sugar - 1 cup
• Baking Powder - 1 tablespoon
• Vanilla Extract - 2 teaspoons
• Eggs - 3
• Jam (your choice of flavor) - 1 cup
• Powdered Sugar - ½ cup for dusting

Preparation

Step 1: Preparing the Dough

Start by creaming the butter and sugar together in a large mixing bowl until light and fluffy. This process traps air into the mixture, which is essential for a nice, airy texture in the finished pastry. Gradually add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract for aroma and flavor.

Step 2: Mixing Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder. Slowly add this mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. The dough should be soft but not sticky. If it is too sticky, you can add a little more flour until it reaches the desired consistency.

Step 3: Chilling the Dough

Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough is crucial as it helps in maintaining the shape of the espejitos during baking.

Step 4: Shaping the Espejitos

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the dough is chilled, roll it out on a floured surface to about ¼ inch thickness. Use a round cookie cutter to cut out circles from the dough. Use a smaller cutter to cut out the center of half of the circles to create ring shapes. These rings will be placed on top of the full circles to create a "window" for the jam.

Cooking Process

Step 5: Baking the Espejitos

Place the full circles on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Top each full circle with a ring-shaped piece of dough. This will form a cavity in the center for the jam. Bake in the preheated oven for about 12–15 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. Use a timer to ensure the correct baking duration. Remember, over-baking can cause the espejitos to dry out.

Step 6: Adding the Jam

Once baked, remove the espejitos from the oven and allow them to cool completely. Gently spoon a small amount of your chosen jam into the center of each espejito. The jam will act as the "mirror," giving these pastries their distinctive look.

Step 7: Finishing Touches

To finish the espejitos, sprinkle with powdered sugar. This adds a delicate sweetness and a stylish finish to the pastries.

Enjoying Espejitos Uruguayos

Espejitos Uruguayos can be enjoyed at any time of the day but are particularly delightful as an afternoon tea treat. Pair these pastries with a freshly brewed cup of coffee or an herbal tea to enhance their flavor profile. Their sweet, buttery base combined with the tartness of the jam makes them irresistible to anyone with a sweet tooth.