Valentine’s Day is a celebration of all things sweet and nobody knows that world better than Chef Pooja Dhingra. A successful entrepreneur, author, podcast host and YouTube star, she took the world by storm when she started her business Le15 Patisserie in 2010. Since then she’s become a familiar face and name in India’s food network, supplying delicious treats to Bollywood stars and birthday parties alike.
She has a knack for making even the simplest treats feel like a special occasion and that holds true for these special Jam Thumbprint Cookies which only take a handful of simple ingredients to create a personalised, jammy biscuit. No fancy equipment or techniques are necessary, this is good, home-style cookie making at its finest. So this year, win some extra brownie points (or rather cookie points) with your sweetie with this cute gift.
Ingredients:
- 1 + ¼ Cup Flour
- ½ Cup Castor Sugar
- ½ Cup Softened Butter
- ½ Tsp Baking Powder 1⁄2 Tsp
- ¼ Cup Strawberry Jam 1⁄4 Cup
- 1 + ½ Tbsp Milk
Method:
- In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together butter and castor sugar for 2 to 3 minutes, until soft and fluffy.
- In a separate bowl, combine flour and baking powder and dry whisk together. Fold this mixture into the butter-sugar mixture, using a spatula.
- Pour milk in and mix thoroughly, using a spatula or your hands, to form a dough. Pop it into the fridge for 20 to 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 180 C.
- When you’re ready to make the cookies, take the dough out of the fridge. Line a baking tray with parchment paper or foil.
- Measure out 1⁄2 tablespoon-sized portions of the dough. Use your hands to form these into even- sized balls.
- Make a dent in the centre of each cookie with your thumb and add 1⁄2 tsp of jam into it. Place on the lined baking tray.
- Once all your cookies are ready, transfer the tray into the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes at 180 C.
- Let the cookies cool and add extra jam at the centre of each one. It makes them even more delicious