Hungarian Jam-Filled Pastries (Házi Lekváros Sütemény)
These traditional Hungarian jam-filled pastries are delicate, buttery, and lightly dusted with powdered sugar. Filled with colorful fruit jams such as apricot, raspberry, and plum, they make a wonderful addition to a holiday cookie platter, afternoon tea, or a family gathering.
Ingredients
For the dough
- 500 g all-purpose flour
- 200 g unsalted butter, softened
- 100 g powdered sugar
- 2 egg yolks
- 150 g sour cream
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
For the filling
- 150 g thick apricot jam
- 150 g raspberry or strawberry jam
- 150 g plum jam
- Other thick fruit preserves, as desired
For decoration
– Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
1. Prepare the dough
In a large bowl, combine the flour, powdered sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the softened butter and rub it into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles fine crumbs.
Mix in the egg yolks, sour cream, vanilla extract, and lemon zest. Knead gently until a smooth, soft dough forms. If the dough feels sticky, add a little flour.
2. Chill the dough
Wrap the dough and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Chilling makes it easier to roll and shape the pastries.
3. Roll and cut
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
Roll the dough on a lightly floured surface to approximately 3 mm thick. Cut it into small squares, about 6–7 cm wide.
4. Add the jam
Place a small teaspoon of thick jam in the center of each square. Avoid adding too much filling, as it may spill out during baking.
Fold two opposite corners toward the center, gently pressing them together to create a little envelope shape. You can also leave the center open for a colorful jam-filled appearance.
5. Bake
Arrange the pastries on the prepared baking tray, leaving a little space between them. Bake for 12–18 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
Do not overbake; these pastries should remain tender and delicate.
6. Cool and decorate
Allow the pastries to cool on the tray for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Once completely cool, dust generously with powdered sugar.
Tips for Perfect Hungarian Jam Pastries
- Choose thick jam: Thick preserves help prevent the filling from running during baking.
- Keep the dough cool: If it becomes too soft, refrigerate it for another 10–15 minutes.
- Try different flavors: Apricot, raspberry, cherry, and plum jams all work beautifully.
- Seal carefully: Press the folded corners together gently to help the pastries maintain their shape.
- Make ahead: Store the cooled pastries in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these Hungarian jam-filled pastries with coffee, tea, or a glass of milk. Their buttery texture, fruity centers, and delicate powdered-sugar coating make them especially appealing during Christmas, Easter, and other family celebrations.
Enjoy these beautiful Hungarian homemade pastries!