Hungarian Jam-Filled Cookies (Lekváros Sütemény)

Instructions

1. Make the Dough

In a large bowl, combine the softened butter, sugar, egg yolk, sour cream, and vanilla.

Mix until smooth.

Gradually add the flour and salt. Mix until a soft, workable dough forms.

Knead gently for a few minutes until smooth. Avoid overworking the dough.

2. Chill

Wrap the dough and refrigerate for 30–60 minutes.

Chilling makes the dough easier to roll and helps the cookies keep their shape.

3. Roll Out the Dough

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

Roll the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface until approximately ⅛ inch thick.

Cut the dough into small rectangles or squares, depending on the shape you want.

4. Add the Jam

Place a small amount of thick jam in the center of each piece.

Don’t overfill—the jam can escape during baking.

Fold the dough around the filling and gently pinch the edges together to create the decorative folded shape.

5. Bake

Arrange the cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Bake for approximately 12–16 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.

The cookies should remain relatively pale rather than becoming deeply browned.

6. Finish

Allow the cookies to cool completely.

Generously dust them with powdered sugar before serving.

Best Fillings

You can make these cookies with different Hungarian-style fruit preserves:

• Apricot jam
• Sour cherry jam
• Plum jam
• Raspberry jam
• Strawberry jam
• Blackcurrant jam

For the beautiful combination shown in the photo, apricot and sour cherry preserves make an especially attractive assortment.

Tips for Perfect Jam Cookies

Use thick jam. Thin preserves are more likely to leak while baking.

Don’t overfill. A small teaspoon or less is usually enough.

Keep the dough chilled. This helps create a tender texture and makes shaping easier.

Don’t overbake. These cookies are best when they’re delicate and lightly golden.

Dust after cooling. Powdered sugar stays bright and attractive when added after the cookies have completely cooled.

Recipe Summary

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Chilling Time: 30–60 minutes
Bake Time: 12–16 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour 20 minutes