Grandma'S Tortchen Cookies

Prep: 20 min Cook: 12 min Serves: 24 Cuisine: American

Grandma's Tortchen Cookies are delicate, buttery treats filled with raspberry preserves, perfect for afternoon tea or holiday gatherings, offering a delightful balance of sweetness and tartness.

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Ingredients

  • 1/2 lb butter
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 1/2 cups flour
  • 3 egg yolks
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Cream the butter until smooth.
  3. Add sugar and continue creaming until well combined.
  4. Add egg yolks one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition.
  5. Mix in the flour combined with salt until the dough comes together.
  6. Make small balls from the dough and flatten each one.
  7. Create a hole in the center of each flattened dough ball.
  8. Brush the top of each cookie with egg white.
  9. Fill the center hole with raspberry marmalade or preserves.

Tips & Substitutions

For an extra flavor twist, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture. If you want a different filling, try using apricot preserves instead of raspberry. To ensure even baking, make sure your dough balls are uniform in size. If the dough is too sticky, chilling it for 30 minutes can help with shaping.

Serving Suggestions

These cookies are delightful served with a cup of tea or coffee, making them perfect for an afternoon snack. They also pair beautifully with a light dessert like Simple Fruit Cobbler for a charming dessert spread. For a festive touch, dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. To enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature before serving.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Grandma'S Tortchen Cookies contains roughly 312 calories, with 3g protein, 10g carbohydrates, and 29g fat.

312 kcal 16% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 3.3g 7% DV
Total Fat 28.8g 37% DV
Carbs 9.9g 4% DV
Fiber 0.7g 2% DV
Sugar 0g

Electrolytes

Sodium 50.7mg 2% DV
Potassium 50.6mg 1% DV
Cholesterol 219.2mg 73% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 30.2mcg 3% DV
Vitamin C 3.4mg 4% DV
Vitamin D 0.7mcg 3% DV
Calcium 21.9mg 2% DV
Iron 1.1mg 6% DV
Diet fit Keto-friendly Under 400 cal
Contains Milk Egg Wheat/Gluten

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of jam for the filling?

Absolutely! While raspberry marmalade is traditional, you can substitute it with any fruit preserve you prefer, such as strawberry or apricot. Just ensure the filling is not too runny to maintain the cookie's shape.

What should I do if my dough is too crumbly?

If your dough seems crumbly and doesn't hold together, try adding a teaspoon of cold water or an additional egg yolk gradually until the dough comes together. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance. Shape the dough into balls and refrigerate them for up to two days. When you're ready to bake, just flatten them and follow the recipe instructions. This is a great way to save time!

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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