Yugoslav Christmas Cookies
Yugoslav Christmas Cookies feature a rich combination of buttery dough, fruity jelly, and nutty toppings, perfect for festive occasions and satisfying sweet cravings with a crunchy texture.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Work butter until creamy.
- Gradually stir in 1/2 cup sugar and beat until fluffy.
- Beat in egg yolk and salt.
- Stir in sifted flour and mix well.
- Pat the dough into a thin layer in the bottom of a 9 x 13 x 2-inch pan.
- Beat currant jelly slightly with a fork and spread over the dough.
- Whip egg whites until stiff.
- Gradually add remaining sugar and continue whipping until mixture forms peaks.
- Fold in ground walnuts and lemon flavoring.
- Swirl the nut mixture over the jelly layer.
- Sprinkle coarsely chopped walnuts on top.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40 to 45 minutes until brown.
- Cool in the pan.
- Cut into 1 1/2-inch squares.
Tips & Substitutions
Ensure your butter is at room temperature for easier creaming. For a nut-free version, you can substitute finely ground walnuts with almond flour or omit them entirely. If you prefer a different fruit flavor, raspberry or apricot preserves can be used instead of currant jelly. To achieve the perfect texture, be careful not to over-mix the dough once the flour is added.
Serving Suggestions
These Yugoslav Christmas Cookies are delightful on their own but can be paired with a warm cup of tea or coffee. For a festive touch, serve them alongside Chocolate-Cherry Filled Cookies or Hummers. They also make a beautiful addition to a holiday dessert platter, showcasing a variety of flavors and textures for your guests.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to three months. To reheat, simply place them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-10 minutes to restore their freshness and texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Yugoslav Christmas Cookies contains roughly 180 calories, with 6g protein, 11g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is a good source of protein (13% of the Daily Value).
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 jelly?
Yes, you can use other types of jelly or preserves, such as raspberry or apricot, if you prefer a different flavor. Just ensure that the consistency is similar to currant jelly to maintain the overall texture of the cookies.
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! These cookies can be made ahead of time and stored. They actually taste better after a day or two as the flavors meld. Just be sure to store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
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).