Tender cookies

Tender Cookies with Royal Icing

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Rest time: 1 hour
Baking time: 7-8 minutes
Total: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 24-30 cookies

Question of the day: How can we transform a simple cookie recipe into a spectacular dessert? The answer lies in the details. Tender cookies, with a delicate texture and unforgettable taste, are the perfect choice for any occasion. With a colorful Royal Icing glaze, these cookies are not only delicious but also a true culinary work of art!

Necessary ingredients:

For the cookies:
- 300 g wheat flour (preferably type 00 for a fine texture)
- 70 g powdered sugar (to achieve the ideal sweetness)
- 200 g butter 82% fat (an essential ingredient to ensure tenderness)
- 2 egg yolks (contribute to the richness of the dough)
- A pinch of salt (to balance the sweetness)

For the Royal Icing:
- 2 egg whites (ensures a slightly frothy texture)
- 300 g powdered sugar (to achieve the perfect consistency)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (to add a touch of acidity)
- 6 tablespoons cornstarch (for stability and to help form a crust)
- Food coloring (optional, to bring the cookies to life)

Recipe history:

Tender cookies have a long and fascinating history, being made by generations around the world. They have often been associated with holidays and special moments, bringing joy and smiles to the faces of loved ones. Today, due to their versatility, cookies can be customized according to themes, holidays, or culinary preferences.

Step by step:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Take the butter out of the fridge 20 minutes before starting, so it becomes soft and easy to work with. This detail will make the dough easier to knead and ensure a fine texture.

2. Preparing the dough: In a large bowl, add the flour, powdered sugar, the 2 egg yolks, the pinch of salt, and the butter cut into suitable cubes. Using your fingers, knead the ingredients until you obtain a compact and homogeneous dough. It is important not to overwork the dough to maintain the tenderness of the cookies.

3. Resting the dough: Wrap the dough in cling film and let it chill in the fridge for 1 hour. This step will help firm up the butter and make it easier to roll out the dough.

4. Forming the cookies: Dust the work surface with flour and, using a rolling pin, roll out the dough to a thickness of about 5 mm. Cut the cookies with a round cutter or your desired shapes. Place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.

5. Baking: Preheat the oven to 150 degrees Celsius. Bake the cookies for 7-8 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning. Baking time may vary depending on the type of oven, so stay vigilant!

6. Cooling: After baking, let the cookies cool on the tray for a few minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. This step is crucial to avoid breaking the cookies.

7. Preparing the Royal Icing: In a clean bowl, place the egg whites and mix until you obtain a stiff foam. Add the lemon juice and cornstarch, mixing well. By gradually incorporating the powdered sugar, you will achieve a fine and glossy glaze. If the mixture is too thick, add a teaspoon of water at a time until it reaches the desired consistency.

8. Coloring and decorating: If you want to add color, divide the royal icing into small bowls and add your preferred food colorings. Fill disposable piping bags with royal icing and patiently decorate the cookies. A little secret: for an artistic effect, use different decorating techniques, such as dripping, piping lines, or drawing shapes.

9. Drying the glaze: Place the decorated cookies on a tray and let them dry. Drying can take between 1 to 3 days, depending on humidity and glaze thickness. One day is usually sufficient, but make sure they are completely dry before storing them.

Practical tips:
- Experiment with different flavors by adding vanilla, almond, or orange extracts to the cookie dough.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh longer.
- If you want cookies with a crunchy texture, bake them for a few extra minutes, but be careful not to burn them.

Calories and nutritional benefits:
Each cookie contains approximately 80-100 calories, depending on the amount of sugar and butter used. These cookies provide a quick source of energy due to the carbohydrates from sugar and flour. Butter, although rich in fats, provides vitamin A and essential fatty acids.

Serving and combinations:
These tender cookies pair wonderfully with a cup of flavored tea or an espresso coffee. You can also offer them as part of a dessert platter for holidays or special events. A personal idea would be to pair them with vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use butter with a lower fat content? It is recommended to use butter with 82% fat for the best results, but you can experiment with lower-fat options.
- How can I store royal icing? If there is leftover royal icing, store it in an airtight container, but use it as soon as possible, as it can dry out quickly.
- Is it possible to use pasteurized egg whites? Yes, for those who want to avoid the risks associated with consuming raw eggs, pasteurized egg whites are an excellent alternative.

Enjoy the cooking process and let your creativity shine in decorating the cookies! Each cookie becomes a little masterpiece, perfect for bringing smiles to the faces of loved ones. Enjoy!

 Ingredients: 300 g flour, 70 g powdered sugar, 200 g butter (82% fat), 2 egg yolks, a pinch of salt. Royal Icing: 2 egg whites, 300 g powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 6 tablespoons cornstarch, food coloring.