Cookies for tea
Delicious cookies for tea – A spring in every bite
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooling time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 15-20 minutes
Total: 1 hour
Servings: About 30 cookies
Who doesn’t love an afternoon filled with flavor and warmth, with a cup of tea and a few tender cookies by their side? These cookies are more than just a simple dessert; they bring a touch of spring in every bite. With a slightly crunchy texture and a sweet yet balanced taste, these cookies are perfect to enjoy in the company of friends or family. Let’s see how we can achieve the most delicious cookies!
Basic ingredients:
- 3 cups of flour
- 1 cup of lard, butter, or oil (choose your preferred option)
- 5 tablespoons of milk
- 2 packets of vanilla sugar (or more if you want a stronger flavor)
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- 150 g powdered sugar
- A pinch of salt
Helpful tips for ingredients:
- Flour: Use high-quality wheat flour, preferably type 650, for a finer texture.
- Fat: Lard provides a very flaky texture, while butter adds a rich flavor. Oil is a lighter option, but make sure it is neutral-flavored sunflower or olive oil.
- Vanilla sugar: If available, use natural vanilla sugar made from vanilla pods. The taste will be truly special.
Step by step preparation:
1. Preparing the dough: In a large bowl, combine the 3 cups of flour, 150 g of powdered sugar, and a pinch of salt. Mix the dry ingredients well to combine them.
2. Adding the fat: Incorporate 1 cup of lard, butter, or oil. Use your fingers to rub the fat into the flour until you achieve a mixture resembling crumbs.
3. Adding the wet ingredients: In another bowl, beat the 2 eggs, then add 5 tablespoons of milk and the 2 packets of vanilla sugar. Mix well until the composition becomes homogeneous.
4. Forming the dough: Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and knead gently. Don’t over-knead; you want to achieve a homogeneous dough, but not make it too elastic.
5. Chilling the dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This will help solidify the fat, making the cookies flakier.
6. Cutting out shapes: Once the dough has cooled, sprinkle a little flour on a working surface and roll out the dough to about 5 mm thick. Use a knife or cookie cutters to create cute shapes.
7. Baking: Place the dough shapes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (moderate to high heat) for 15-20 minutes or until they become lightly golden around the edges.
8. Cooling: After baking, let the cookies cool on a cooling rack. They will continue to firm up as they cool.
Serving suggestion: These cookies are delicious served plain, but you can glaze them with melted chocolate or dust them with powdered sugar for an elegant look. Another idea is to pair them with a flavored cream cheese or your favorite jam to add a touch of freshness.
Possible variations: Experiment with different flavors by adding lemon or orange zest, chopped nuts, or even chocolate. Try adding a few drops of almond extract for a unique flavor.
Nutritional benefits: These cookies provide carbohydrates from the flour, protein from the eggs, and healthy fats from butter or oil. However, consume them in moderation, considering they are calorie-dense.
Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use whole wheat flour? Yes, but the result will be different; the cookies will have a denser texture.
- How can I store the cookies? Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature, where they will stay fresh for a few days.
- Can I freeze the cookies? Absolutely! Bake them, let them cool completely, then freeze them in an airtight container. You can take them out a few hours before serving.
These tea cookies are not just a simple recipe, but an invitation to spend quality time with loved ones. So, gather your ingredients and let yourself be inspired by the aroma of spring that comes together in every sweet delight!
Ingredients: 3 cups of flour 1 cup of lard/butter/oil 5 tablespoons of milk 2 packets of vanilla sugar 2 eggs 1 teaspoon of baking powder 150 g of powdered sugar a pinch of salt
