Medvedie labky (Bear Paws)

Ingredients

• 250g (2 cups) all-purpose flour 250g (2 cups) all-purpose flour
• 225g (1 cup) unsalted butter, softened 225g (1 cup) unsalted butter, softened
• 100g (1/2 cup) granulated sugar 100g (1/2 cup) granulated sugar
• 2 large egg yolks 2 large egg yolks
• 1 tsp vanilla extract 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Filling options: raspberry jam, apricot jam, ground walnuts, or poppy seeds Filling options: raspberry jam, apricot jam, ground walnuts, or poppy seeds
• 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

1. 1.
   In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
2. 2.
   Add the egg yolks and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and mix until well combined.
3. 3.
   Gradually add the flour to the mixture and mix until a soft dough forms.
4. 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.
5. 5.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
6. 6.
   On a lightly floured surface, roll out one portion of the dough to a thickness of about 1/4 inch.
7. 7.
   Using a bear paw-shaped cookie cutter, cut out shapes from the rolled-out dough and transfer them to the prepared baking sheet.
8. 8.
   Place a small amount of the desired filling in the center of each bear paw-shaped dough.
9. 9.
   Roll out the second portion of the dough and cut out the same number of bear paw shapes.
10. 10.
    Place the cut-out dough shapes on top of the filled ones, pressing the edges gently to seal.
11. 11.
    Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
12. 12.
    Allow the Medvedie labky to cool completely on a wire rack.
13. 13.
    Once cooled, dust the pastries with powdered sugar.
14. 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.