Vanilla pudding cookies

Goodies for carolers are a sweet tradition that combines creativity with the joy of giving. These treats are perfect for sharing with loved ones during the holidays, but also at any time you want to add a little magic to everyday life. Today, I will guide you step by step through a simple and delicious recipe for vanilla pudding cookies that will bring smiles to the faces of everyone who tastes them.

Total preparation time: 40 minutes
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 15-20 minutes
Number of servings: 24 cookies

Ingredients:
- 250 g margarine (or butter for a richer taste)
- 100 g powdered sugar
- 250 g flour
- 100 g vanilla pudding (powder)
- 1/4 vanilla bean (or a packet of vanilla sugar)

Recipe history:
The origins of these cookies can be found in holiday traditions, where sweets were made with care and passion. Carolers, who brought the news of the Lord's Birth, were welcomed with treats made with love, and vanilla pudding cookies became a symbol of hospitality. These cookies are not only a pleasure for the taste buds but also a way to create unforgettable memories around the table.

Step by step:

1. Preparing the ingredients:
Start by gathering all the ingredients. Make sure the margarine is at room temperature for easier incorporation. If you prefer a more intense flavor, you can use butter instead of margarine. Also, if you don’t have vanilla pudding, you can experiment with other flavors like cocoa or caramel.

2. Mixing margarine with sugar:
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the margarine with powdered sugar. Mix until the composition becomes creamy and fluffy. This is an essential step, as the air incorporated will help the cookies become fluffier.

3. Adding dry ingredients:
Start gradually adding the vanilla pudding and flour. Mix with a spatula or with the mixer on low speed, just until the ingredients are combined. Do not overmix, as the cookies can become dense and heavy.

4. Flavoring:
If you choose to use a vanilla bean, cut it lengthwise and scrape the seeds into the mixture to obtain an intense aroma. This addition will make your cookies truly special.

5. Shaping the cookies:
Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of about 0.5 cm. Use desired shapes to cut out the cookies. We opted for a train shape, but you can use any shape you like, whether they are stars, Christmas trees, or hearts.

6. Baking:
Place the cookies on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, leaving a small space between them, as they may spread slightly while baking. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and bake the cookies for 15-20 minutes or until they become slightly golden at the edges. Be careful not to leave them too long, as the cookies should remain soft and fluffy.

7. Cooling:
After taking them out of the oven, let the cookies cool on a cooling rack. This is an important step, as the cookies will maintain their crunchy texture.

Practical tips:
- You can add ground nuts or chocolate chips to the dough for an extra texture and flavor.
- The cookies can be stored in an airtight container for a few days, but they are best in the first days after baking.
- For a festive look, you can glaze the cookies with melted chocolate or sprinkle powdered sugar on top at the end.

Frequently asked questions:
1. What type of margarine should I use?
It is recommended to choose a high-quality margarine or butter for a better taste. Check the label to avoid products with trans fats.

2. Can I use other types of pudding?
Absolutely! You can experiment with chocolate, caramel, or even strawberry pudding to get cookies with varied flavors.

3. How can I make the cookies crunchier?
If you want crunchier cookies, you can let the dough rest in the fridge for about 30 minutes before baking. This will help maintain the shape and improve the texture.

Serving suggestions:
These vanilla pudding cookies are delicious alongside a cup of tea or aromatic coffee. Also, for a more elaborate dessert, you can serve the cookies with vanilla ice cream or a fruit sauce.

Possible variations:
- The cookies can be transformed into sandwiches by adding flavored cream cheese or jam between two pieces.
- If you want to give them a chocolate note, you can add cocoa to the dough (about 30 g) and reduce the amount of flour.

Nutritional benefits:
These cookies contain healthy fats from margarine, and the vanilla pudding adds a sweet and creamy taste without adding too much sugar. By consuming them in moderation, you can enjoy a delicious snack without affecting your diet too much.

Estimated calories:
Each cookie has approximately 90 calories, depending on the ingredients used and the size of the cookies.

In conclusion, goodies for carolers are not just cookies, but a way to bring joy into our homes and share love through cooking. Try this simple yet flavorful recipe and let yourself be carried away by the magic of the holidays!