Recipe: Spitzbuben (jam-filled sandwich cookies)
I have to admit... I had no idea why these cookies were called Spitzbuben, so I did some research. Spitzbuben translates to "troublemaking boy" or "rascal". Yeah... why are boys involved? Apparently this traditional German cookie recipe for sandwich cookies filled with jam were very popular among young boys who would often sneak as many as they could get, leaving few for the rest of their families. Hence, mothers began yelling, "Hey, you rascals! Stop taking all the cookies!" . Spitzbuben: 1 cup (200g) butter 3/4 cup (150g) sugar 2 eggs a dash of salt 1 tsp vanilla extract or 1 tbsp vanilla sugar 1 cup (100g) ground almonds (optional) 2 1/2 cups (300g) flour About 3/4 cup (200g) jam whichever flavor you prefer Cream butter. Add sugar and cream together. Add eggs and beat until fluffy. Add rest of the ingredients slowly and beat between each addition. Dough will be rather thick. If you prefer, you can chill this dough for an hour before trying to roll i...