Traditional Algerian Sables (Cookies) - Like Linzer Augen

Um Safia's Note:

This is my own family recipe for the traditional Algerian 'Sables' cookies. These sables are very easy to make & are a real favourite in our home. We like them with strawberry jam filling & icing sugar dusting or with apricot jam filing & dessicated coconut finish... but you can use any of your favourite preserves (if they have fruit pieces in you should sieve them before using. I have a special 4cm fluted sables cutter but you can use any cutters. I oftern use star cutters then punch out the small round centre by using a small metal bottle top (like on food colourings), or round cutter & using a small star, heart or flower cutter for the centre. These sables freeze nicely in layers separated by parchment or waxed paper in an airtight container. Allow to defrost in a single layer then dust the tops & fill with jam.

• Total Time: 33 mins
• Prep Time: 25 mins
• Cook Time: 8 mins

Ingredients:

Yield: 25 cookies

For the Sables

• 1 cup margarine or 1 cup butter , softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large free range egg
• 2 ½ cups plain flour (allpurpose)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 tablespoon vanilla sugar or 1 teaspoon vanilla flavoring or ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

To decorate

• ¾ cup strawberry jam (or preserve of your choice)
• ½-¾ cup icing sugar (confectioners)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 170°C
2. Cream the margarine & sugar(s) until light & fluffy.
3. Beat in the egg & vanilla, then gradually fold in the flour & baking powder.
4. Mix slowly until a soft dough forms. The dough is very soft & needs handling with care but it shouldn't be sticky. If your dough is still a little sticky, sift in a little extra flour.
5. Roll out to about 4mm thick, be sure to flour the rolling pin well.
6. Cut out 'tops & bottoms' for your sables.
7. Place on a baking tray lined with aluminium foil (shiny side up) & bake for 8 minutes. The sables should be just set but still white.
8. Allow the sables to cool on the sheet for a minute then remove to a cold plate or tray to finish cooling.
9. When the sables are fully cooled, heat the jam until bubbling.
10. Place all the sables tops onto a tray & dust generously with the icing sugar.
11. Allow the jam to cool slightly then spoon approx 1/2 tsp of the jam onto the underside of the sables 'bottoms'.
12. Then carefully place a 'top' over the blob of jam.
13. Allow to set, then store in one layer in an airtight container for upto 10 days.

Reviews

[jools100]

I made these yesterday for a Algerian themed talk Im doing on Saturday, they are fab! My hubby ate too many and now I have to bake more soooooooo lovely , I do have a suggestion also- when the dough is done before rolling out put in fridge for 5-10 mins as it firms up better to roll out without cracks in it. I did mine in processor so that may be why dough a bit more soft? Easy to make though Thank you

[Umm Ishaq]

I had these in Algeria last December and loved them. unfortunately my in laws never know proper measurements so things never taste quite the same when I follow their recipes, but these are just delicious and taste so authentic! Soft, melt in the mouth treats that the whole family enjoyed. Thank you for sharing yet another great recipe!