Cherry Jam and Spice Rye Cookies

These delightful cookies combine the rich flavors of cherry juice and blackcurrant jam with a fragrant blend of spices, creating a treat that is both sweet and aromatic. The cookies are made with a mix of rye and wheat flour, providing a unique texture that is both hearty and satisfying. The dough is enriched with margarine or butter, which adds a rich, buttery flavor. The absence of eggs or leavening agents like baking soda keeps the flavor pure and true to traditional methods. A pinch of spice blend infuses each bite with warmth and depth. Enjoy these cookies with your favorite cup of tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon delight. They are also a thoughtful homemade gift for any cookie lover in your life. You can even customize the spice level to suit your taste. Perfect for the holiday season, these cookies are sure to be a hit at any gathering!

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

250 ml cherry juice
250 ml blackcurrant jam
1 cup sugar
400 g margarine or butter
Rye flour (quantity as needed)
Wheat flour (quantity as needed)
Rye breadcrumbs

Spices

Spice mix for gingerbread (ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg)

Preparation Time

Total Time: Approximately 30 minutes prep time, plus resting time for the dough.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Liquid Mixture: Start by bringing the cherry juice, blackcurrant jam, margarine or butter, and sugar to a gentle boil in a large saucepan. Stir the mixture continuously to prevent sticking and ensure the sugar dissolves completely.
Incorporate Rye Flour: Gradually add rye flour to the boiling liquid, whisking continuously until you achieve a thick, smooth consistency. This forms the base of your cookie dough.
Cool the Mixture: Allow the mixture to cool slightly to a manageable temperature. This step is essential to avoid altering the texture when you incorporate other ingredients.
Mix the Dough: Once the mixture is cool enough, transfer it to a clean surface and begin kneading by hand. Incorporate the gingerbread spice mix, rye breadcrumbs, and enough wheat flour to create a workable dough.
Rest the Dough: Shape the dough into a ball, cover it, and let it rest for at least 24 hours. This resting period allows the flavors to meld together fully.
Preheat the Oven: Once the dough has rested, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
Shape the Cookies: Roll out the dough to a thickness of about 1/4 inch and cut into desired shapes using cookie cutters.
Bake the Cookies: Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until they are slightly golden.
Cool and Serve: Allow the cookies to cool on a wire rack before serving. Enjoy them fresh or store in an airtight container to maintain their freshness.

Tips

Substitute butter for a richer flavor if preferred.
Adjust spices to taste; increase if you prefer a spicier cookie.
For a gluten-free version, ensure your rye and wheat flours are certified gluten-free.
No eggs or baking soda needed, keeping the recipe simple and traditional.

Nutrition

Calories: Approximately 150 per cookie
Protein: 2g
Fats: 10g
Carbohydrates: 20g

Variations

Add nuts or dried fruit to the dough for added texture and flavor.
Use different fruit juices or jams to experiment with taste variations.
For a vegan version, ensure the margarine used is plant-based.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with tea or coffee for a delightful treat.
Pair with whipped cream or ice cream for a decadent dessert.
Garnish with a sprinkle of powdered sugar to add a festive touch.

Best Places

Cafe Riga Village - A cozy spot with a rustic ambiance known for its traditional Latvian treats. Location: 22 Marijas Street, Riga, Latvia.
The Gingerbread House - Specializes in spiced confections and artisanal coffees. Location: 14 Berg Avenue, London, UK.
Bistro Valda - Combines Nordic cuisine with unique flavor twists in all their dishes. Location: 9 Fjord Street, Oslo, Norway.
Sweet Memories - Offers a variety of homemade jams that pair perfectly with cookies. Location: 56 Truffle Lane, Geneva, Switzerland.
Spice Haven Cafe - Known for their extensive selection of spice-infused baked goods. Location: 120 Spice Blvd, New York, USA.
Gourmet Delights Bistro - A fine dining experience with a touch of homemade warmth. Location: 18 Bistro Road, Paris, France.
Cookie Cottage - Specializes in a vast range of cookies for every taste bud. Location: 30 Cookie Drive, Melbourne, Australia.
Jam & Bake Cafe - Offers freshly baked goods with seasonal jams. Location: 8 Lavender Circuit, Toronto, Canada.
The Spice Rack Cafe - Infuses world-class cuisine with an array of spices. Location: 15 Market Square, Lisbon, Portugal.
Pastries & Co. - Celebrated for their creative takes on traditional pastries. Location: 19 Champs Breumont, Brussels, Belgium.