Recipe
Medvedie labky (Bear Paws)
Indulgent Czech Delight: Medvedie Labky (Bear Paws)
4.5 out of 5
Medvedie labky, a traditional Czech dessert, are sweet pastries shaped like bear paws. These delightful treats are made with a rich dough, filled with a sweet jam or nut filling, and topped with a dusting of powdered sugar.
Metadata
Preparation time
30 minutes
Cooking time
12-15 minutes
Total time
1 hour 45 minutes (including chilling time)
Yields
12 servings
Preparation difficulty
Medium
Suitable for
Vegetarian, Nut-free (if using jam filling), Dairy-free option available (substitute butter with dairy-free margarine)
Allergens
Wheat (gluten), Dairy (butter)
Not suitable for
Vegan, Gluten-free
Ingredients
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250g (2 cups) all-purpose flour 250g (2 cups) all-purpose flour
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225g (1 cup) unsalted butter, softened 225g (1 cup) unsalted butter, softened
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100g (1/2 cup) granulated sugar 100g (1/2 cup) granulated sugar
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2 large egg yolks 2 large egg yolks
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1 tsp vanilla extract 1 tsp vanilla extract
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Filling options: raspberry jam, apricot jam, ground walnuts, or poppy seeds Filling options: raspberry jam, apricot jam, ground walnuts, or poppy seeds
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Powdered sugar, for dusting Powdered sugar, for dusting
Nutrition
- Calories: 250 kcal / 1046 kJ
- Fat: 15g (9g saturated)
- Carbohydrates: 26g (12g sugars)
- Protein: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Salt: 0.1g
Preparation
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1.In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
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2.Add the egg yolks and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and mix until well combined.
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3.Gradually add the flour to the mixture and mix until a soft dough forms.
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4.Divide the dough into two equal portions and shape each portion into a disc. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
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5.Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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6.On a lightly floured surface, roll out one portion of the dough to a thickness of about 1/4 inch.
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7.Using a bear paw-shaped cookie cutter, cut out shapes from the rolled-out dough and transfer them to the prepared baking sheet.
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8.Place a small amount of the desired filling in the center of each bear paw-shaped dough.
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9.Roll out the second portion of the dough and cut out the same number of bear paw shapes.
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10.Place the cut-out dough shapes on top of the filled ones, pressing the edges gently to seal.
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11.Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
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12.Allow the Medvedie labky to cool completely on a wire rack.
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13.Once cooled, dust the pastries with powdered sugar.
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14.Serve and enjoy!
Treat your ingredients with care...
- Butter — Make sure the butter is softened at room temperature for easier creaming with the sugar. Avoid using melted butter as it will affect the texture of the dough.
Tips & Tricks
- For a more pronounced flavor, add a pinch of cinnamon or lemon zest to the dough.
- To prevent the dough from sticking to the cookie cutter, dip it in flour before each use.
- Experiment with different fillings to find your favorite combination.
- If the dough becomes too soft while rolling, refrigerate it for a few minutes to firm up.
- Store the Medvedie labky in an airtight container to maintain their freshness.
Serving advice
Serve the Medvedie labky as a delightful dessert alongside a cup of hot coffee or tea. They can also be enjoyed as a sweet treat during afternoon tea or as a special addition to a brunch spread.
Presentation advice
Arrange the Medvedie labky on a serving platter, dusted with an extra sprinkle of powdered sugar for an elegant touch. Consider adding a few fresh berries or mint leaves as a garnish to enhance the visual appeal.
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