Tender biscuits

Tender cookies with vanilla flavor

Tender cookies are one of the most beloved delicacies, evoking childhood memories and warm moments around the table. These cookies are perfect for enjoying alongside a cup of tea or coffee and can be customized with various flavors and shapes. In this recipe, we will focus on achieving flaky cookies full of flavor using simple and natural ingredients.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 5-10 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Number of servings: 20 cookies

Ingredients:
- 250 g flour
- 3 teaspoons baking powder
- 60 g powdered sugar
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar (or 1-2 teaspoons of vanilla extract)
- a pinch of salt
- 1 egg yolk
- 3 tablespoons milk
- 100 g cold butter or margarine

Preparation:

1. Mixing the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, sift the flour together with the baking powder. This step not only helps eliminate any lumps but also aerates the flour, contributing to the fluffy texture of the cookies. Add the powdered sugar, vanilla sugar, and salt, mixing well all the dry ingredients.

2. Creating the wet mixture: In the center of the flour mixture, make a well using a spoon or your fingers. In this well, add the egg yolk and milk. It is important to use cold milk, as this will help keep the butter cold, which is essential for achieving a tender dough.

3. Adding the butter: Cut the cold butter into small cubes and add it to the bowl. Using a knife or a hand mixer, start combining the butter with the wet and dry ingredients. Do not overmix, as you want to achieve a uniform dough without completely melting the butter. If you desire a more intense flavor, you can also add a bit of grated lemon or orange zest.

4. Resting the dough: Form the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and let it chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This step is crucial as it allows the butter to harden, contributing to the flaky texture of the cookies.

5. Shaping the cookies: Preheat the oven to 200°C. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a thin sheet, about 5 mm thick. Use cookie cutters to cut out various shapes. If desired, you can decorate them with granulated sugar or colored sugar crystals for a festive look.

6. Baking the cookies: Place the cut-out cookies on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, leaving space between them as they may spread slightly. Bake in the preheated oven for 5-10 minutes until they turn lightly golden around the edges. It is important to monitor them in the last minutes of baking, as they can burn quickly.

7. Cooling the cookies: After removing them from the oven, let the cookies cool on a wire rack. This will help maintain their crunchy texture.

Serving suggestions:
Tender cookies can be served plain or filled with jam, chocolate cream, or peanut butter. Another delicious idea is to glaze them with lemon icing or melted chocolate glaze.

Variations:
To add extra flavor, experiment with ingredients like ground nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruits. These variations will transform simple cookies into a delightful dessert, perfect for any occasion.

Nutritional benefits:
These cookies contain carbohydrates from the flour, but also healthy fats from the butter, which help maintain energy. Enjoy them in moderation to avoid excessive calorie intake, considering that each cookie has about 80-100 calories.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, margarine can be used, but the cookies will have a slightly different flavor. Butter provides that specific flaky texture.
- Can I keep the cookies for longer?
Yes, the cookies can be kept in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To keep them longer, you can freeze them.

These tender cookie recipes are a true delight, perfect for any time of the day. Whether you enjoy them with family, friends, or during personal indulgence moments, these cookies will always bring smiles. So, let’s get cooking and enjoy this culinary experience!

 Ingredients: 250 g flour, 3 teaspoons baking powder, 60 g powdered sugar, 1 packet vanilla sugar, a pinch of salt, 1 egg yolk, 3 tablespoons milk, 100 g butter or margarine.