Traditional Serbian Vanilice Cookies: A Deliciously Sweet Recipe

Ingredients

2 cups of all-purpose flour
1/2 cups of ground walnuts
1/2 teaspoon of baking powder
1/4 teaspoon of salt
1/2 cup of unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup of granulated sugar
1 large egg yolk
3 tablespoons of rum
1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract
4 tablespoons of apricot jam
1 cup of powdered sugar

Steps and instructions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, ground walnuts, baking powder, and salt.
In a larger bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until creamy.
Beat in the egg yolk, followed by the rum and vanilla extract.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms.
Pinch off small pieces of dough and roll into 1-inch balls. Place the balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and allow to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes.
While the cookies are cooling, heat the apricot jam in a small saucepan over low heat until it is liquid, then remove from heat.
Once the cookies have cooled, spread a small amount of jam on the flat side of one cookie and sandwich it with another. Repeat this process until all the cookies have been paired.
Sift the powdered sugar over the cookie sandwiches until they are fully coated. Let them sit until the sugar has set before serving.

Tools for making

Mixing bowls - You will need a few mixing bowls to combine and mix the ingredients.
Whisk - A whisk will be useful for beating the butter and sugar together until creamy.
Measuring cups and spoons - These will be needed to accurately measure the ingredients.
Baking sheets - Two baking sheets will be required to bake the cookies.
Parchment paper - You will need parchment paper to line the baking sheets.
Spatula - A spatula will help you easily remove the cookies from the baking sheets.
Small saucepan - You will need a small saucepan to heat the apricot jam.
Sifter - A sifter will be used to dust the powdered sugar over the cookie sandwiches.

Recipe variations

Replace the ground walnuts with ground almonds or pecans for a different nutty flavor.
Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the dough for a hint of citrus.
Instead of apricot jam, use raspberry, strawberry, or cherry jam for different fruity fillings.
For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
Make a chocolate version by adding 1/4 cup of cocoa powder to the dough and using chocolate spread as a filling.
Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or cardamom to the dough for warm and aromatic flavors.
Make a savory version by omitting the sugar and adding grated cheese or herbs to the dough.
Create a vegan option by replacing the butter with vegan butter or coconut oil, and using a vegan egg substitute.
Experiment with different types of jams or preserves for unique flavor combinations, such as fig jam, peach preserves, or blackberry jam.
Add a teaspoon of almond extract in addition to the vanilla extract for an extra almond flavor.

Recipe overview

Vanilice, also known as Serbian Little Vanilla Cookies, are a beloved holiday treat in Serbia. They're bite-sized sandwich cookies filled with a sweet layer of apricot jam and coated in a snowy dusting of powdered sugar. The cookies are rich and buttery, with a hint of rum and vanilla, and the ground walnuts add a delightful texture. Baking these cookies might be a bit time-consuming, but the heavenly taste and the joyful process make it worth every minute. This recipe makes about 30 cookies, perfect for sharing at holiday gatherings or enjoying as a sweet treat with your afternoon tea. Enjoy the process of making these delightful Vanilice cookies and share the joy of Serbian baking traditions with your loved ones.

Common questions

Can I use a different type of nut instead of walnuts? Yes, you can substitute ground walnuts with another nut of your choice, such as almonds or pecans.
Can I use margarine instead of butter? While margarine can be used as a substitute, the flavor and texture may be slightly different. Butter is recommended for the best results.
Can I use a different flavor of jam? Absolutely! If you prefer a different flavor, feel free to substitute the apricot jam with your preferred flavor, such as raspberry or strawberry.
Can I omit the rum? If you prefer not to use rum, you can substitute it with an equal amount of milk or water.
How long can I store the cookies? These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.

Serving dishes and utensils

Mixing bowls - Used for mixing the dry and wet ingredients.
Whisk - Used to blend the butter and sugar, and to mix the dry ingredients.
Measuring cups and spoons - Needed to accurately measure the ingredients.
Baking sheets - Used to bake the cookie dough.
Parchment paper - Placed on the baking sheets to prevent the cookies from sticking.
Small saucepan - Used to heat the apricot jam.
Sifter - Used to evenly distribute the powdered sugar over the cookie sandwiches.

Origin stories

Hailing from the heart of the Balkans, Vanilice, or little vanilla cookies, have a rich heritage rooted in Serbian tradition. These small, sweet treats are a staple in Serbian households, especially during the holiday season. The enchanting combination of the cookie's sweet vanilla flavor, the warmth of the walnuts, and the tangy delight of the apricot jam has been passed down through generations. Each cookie, lovingly sandwiched with a dollop of jam, tells a story of familial bonds, shared joy, and the comforting familiarity of home. The making of Vanilice is not just about baking cookies; it's an age-old ritual, a way for families to come together, share stories, and carry forward a delicious piece of their heritage. So each time you savor a Vanilice, you're not just enjoying a cookie, you're taking a bite of history and tradition that dates back centuries.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.