Bake Your Heart Out with This Soldier Buttons Cookies Recipe

Picture this: you’re strolling down the winding streets of Istanbul, enveloped by the rich scent of street food and the sound of the call to prayer. You come across a small bakery, where turban-wearing bakers are hard at work crafting a traditional Turkish delight – soldier buttons cookies. These little delights might be small in size, but they pack a mighty punch when it comes to flavor. And guess what? You don’t need to travel all the way to Turkey to taste these morsels of heaven.

I am excited to share with you my recipe for these irresistible Turkish Soldier Buttons Cookies! These simple and easy-to-make bite-sized treats are perfect for any occasion, from afternoon tea to Thanksgiving Day dessert.

If you’ve never heard of or tried Soldier Buttons cookies before, let me introduce you to this delicious and beloved Turkish pastry that’s been around for centuries. These cookies are known as “asker button” in Turkish, which means “soldier button.” They were originally created in the Ottoman Empire for soldiers on long journeys as a fast and hearty snack. Traditional versions feature a jam filling, but modern variations now include flavors like almond and chocolate.

So what makes these cookies so special? Well, let’s start with their texture. The shortbread-style cookie is soft yet firm, with just the right amount of crumble. But it’s really the jam filling that makes these cookies stand out. When you bite into the cookie and reach the center, there’s an explosion of sweet fruit jam that blends perfectly with the buttery cookie dough.

With just a handful of ingredients and simple steps, these Soldier Buttons Cookies can easily become your new favorite treat! Join me on this culinary journey into Turkish cuisine as we bake up some deliciousness that’ll transport you straight to Istanbul!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Are you tired of the same old cookie recipes? Do you want to try something new and delicious? Look no further than these Turkish Soldier Buttons cookies.

This recipe will take your taste buds on a journey to Turkey with its unique flavors and ingredients. The combination of buttery, crumbly dough and sweet jam filling is like nothing you’ve ever tasted before.

But what makes this recipe truly special is its history. These cookies were originally created by Turkish soldiers during wartime as a way to boost morale and remind them of their homeland. Each soldier would carry these cookies in their pockets, giving them a taste of comfort in even the most trying of times.

By making these cookies, not only are you treating yourself to a delicious dessert but also honoring the legacy and spirit of the Turkish armed forces. Plus, they’re perfect for any occasion – from a sweet afternoon snack to an impressive dessert for your holiday feast.

Try these Turkish Soldier Buttons cookies today and experience the taste of history in every bite.

Ingredient List

Here’s a rundown of the ingredients you will need to make these Turkish Soldier Buttons Cookies:

Dry Ingredients:

• 2 cups of all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup of powdered sugar

Wet Ingredients:

• 1 cup of butter, softened
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

Strawberry Jam Filling:

• 1/2 cup of strawberry jam

Note: You can switch to different flavors for your jam filling such as apricot, raspberry, blueberry and more.

All of these ingredients are easily accessible and can be found at your local grocery stores. You may even have most items already in your pantry!

The Recipe How-To

Once you have gathered your ingredients and preheated your oven to 350°F, it’s time to get started on the fun part – making the soldier buttons!

1. First, lightly grease a cookie sheet.
2. In a mixing bowl, mix together 2 cups of all-purpose flour and 1/2 cup of powdered sugar.
3. Add 1 cup of softened butter, 1 egg, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the bowl.
4. Use your hands or an electric mixer to mix everything together until it forms a dough-like consistency.
5. Take small amounts of dough and shape them into small soldier buttons with your hands. Place them on the greased cookie sheet.
6. Using your thumb, create a small dent or hole in the center of each button to make room for the jam filling.
7. Spoon a small amount of your preferred Turkish jam into each indentation or hole.

Variations:

• You can substitute Turkish jam for strawberry jam or any other type of thick jam.
• If you prefer almond-flavored cookies, add a few drops of almond extract to the dough mixture instead of vanilla extract.

• For chocolate lovers, try adding chocolate chips to the dough mixture or use chocolate buttons as a filling instead of jam.

• Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes until lightly golden brown on top.

• Remove from oven and let them cool on a wire rack before serving.

Enjoy these delicious Turkish soldier button cookies with your family and friends!

Substitutions and Variations

As with any recipe, there are always ways to mix things up and experiment with different ingredients. For these Turkish Soldier Buttons Cookies, there are a few substitutions and variations you can try out.

Firstly, if you’re not a fan of strawberry jam, feel free to switch it up and use another flavor. Raspberry, blueberry, or apricot jam would all work well in this recipe.

Additionally, if you’re looking to add some extra flavor to these cookies, consider incorporating some almond extract. Just a teaspoon or two will give the cookies a subtle but delicious nutty taste.

For those who prefer a more chocolatey treat, try turning these buttons into chocolate thumbprint cookies by using chocolate chips instead of jam for the filling. You could also add some cocoa powder into the dough mixture for a double dose of chocolatey goodness.

If you want to make these cookies even more indulgent, why not try dipping them in melted chocolate? It will take them to the next level and create a decadent dessert that everyone will enjoy.

Lastly, for those with specific dietary needs or allergies, it’s worth noting that you can easily make these cookies gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour blend. And for those who are dairy-free, swap the butter for coconut oil or another vegan butter alternative.

These substitutions and variations are just a few ideas to get you started – feel free to experiment and make these Turkish Soldier Buttons Cookies completely your own!

Serving and Pairing

These Turkish Soldier Buttons Cookies are absolutely delicious on their own, but they also pair perfectly with a warm cup of Turkish tea or coffee.

If you’re feeling adventurous, try serving them with a dollop of Turkish jam in the center for an even sweeter treat. The jam pairs especially well with the tender, buttery flavor of the cookies. Strawberry jam is a classic choice, but feel free to experiment with other flavors to find your favorite.

When it comes to presentation, these cookies are perfect for any occasion – from a casual afternoon snack to an elegant dessert table. You can serve them on a simple platter as a quick and easy treat for guests or dress them up with a dusting of powdered sugar for a more formal affair.

Regardless of how you choose to serve them, one thing is for certain – these cookies are sure to be a hit among all ages and cultures. They are simple and easy but also deceptively delicious, making them the perfect addition to any special occasion or celebration. So whip up a batch of these Turkish Soldier Buttons Cookies today and get ready to impress your guests!

Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating

As much as we love fresh cookies straight out of the oven, sometimes we’re too busy to bake on the spot. Luckily, this Turkish Soldier Buttons Cookies Recipe is incredibly convenient for make-ahead preparations, storing and reheating so that you can enjoy a warm, delicious cookie any time you want it.

To make these cookies ahead of time, you can prepare the dough up to two days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you’re ready to roll them into balls and bake them. You may find that chilling the dough helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much while they bake, giving them a perfect shape every time.

If you want to make a large batch of cookies and save some for later, these Soldier Buttons can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for about a week. Storing them in the fridge or freezer is an option as well. To freeze your cookies, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in an airtight container or ziplock bag. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply thaw them at room temperature for a few hours or pop them into the microwave or oven for a quick reheating.

When reheating, I recommend placing the cookies on a lined baking sheet and heating at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes depending on how crispy you like your edges. Avoid overheating them though as they can dry out quickly.

Whether you’re planning ahead or storing leftover cookies from Thanksgiving Day dessert, this recipe makes it easy to satisfy your sweet tooth whenever you want it – without sacrificing taste or quality!

Tips for Perfect Results

If you’re looking to make the perfect batch of Turkish soldier buttons cookies, there are a few tips and tricks that I highly recommend. These tips will not only help to ensure that your cookies turn out perfectly every time, but they will also make the process of making them much easier and more enjoyable.

Firstly, it’s important to use high-quality ingredients. This means using fresh eggs, unsalted butter, and pure vanilla extract. Don’t skimp on the powdered sugar or all-purpose flour either – quality ingredients always make a difference.

When mixing your ingredients together, be sure not to overwork the dough. Overworking the dough can cause your cookies to become tough and hard instead of soft and chewy. Mix until a soft dough forms, and then stop.

It’s also important to follow the baking instructions very carefully. The bake time and temperature are both essential for achieving the perfect texture in your cookies. Make sure you preheat your oven correctly and that you don’t leave your cookies in for too long – this can cause them to burn at the bottom or become overly crispy.

Another tip is to use parchment paper when lining your baking sheet. This will prevent your cookies from sticking, which can be frustrating when trying to move them onto a cooling rack. If you don’t have parchment paper on hand, you can lightly grease your cookie sheet instead.

Finally, don’t be afraid to get creative with the filling! While traditional Turkish soldier buttons cookies are usually filled with jam, you can also try filling them with things like almond paste or chopped chocolate for a variation on the classic recipe.

By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating the ultimate batch of Turkish soldier buttons cookies that will impress all who taste them.

Bottom Line

So there you have it, folks! This Turkish Soldier Buttons Cookies Recipe is a simple and easy way to infuse your day with a taste of Turkish cuisine. With its delicious jam-filled cookies, this recipe is sure to become a crowd-pleaser at any gathering or event.

Now, let me ask you: are you ready to indulge in the taste of soldier buttons? Don’t hesitate to give this recipe a try! Trust me – you won’t regret it. And for those with food allergies or dietary restrictions, feel free to try some substitutions or variations as suggested in this article.

In conclusion, I hope you’ve found this recipe enjoyable and informative. As an Israeli chef, I take pride in sharing my passion for diverse cultural flavors and traditions with others. So thank you for joining me on this culinary journey, and happy baking!

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