Mushroom Cookies

Mushroom Cookies - A Delicate and Aromatic Treat

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Number of servings: 20-25 cookies

The history of these delicate cookies, known as "mushrooms," takes us back to the time of homemade sweets when every housewife wanted to enrich the holiday table with unique delicacies. This simple yet charming recipe offers a perfect combination of fragility and aroma, resulting in cookies that melt in your mouth, with a playful mushroom shape.

Ingredients needed:

- 200 g butter (at room temperature)
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 2 egg yolks
- 2 tablespoons sparkling water
- 150 g powdered sugar
- 500 g cornstarch
- 200 g flour (approximately, depending on dough consistency)
- 10 g baking powder (one packet)
- 1 vial vanilla essence
- a pinch of salt
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder (for decoration)

Useful tips about ingredients:

- Butter: Choose a quality butter that contains at least 82% fat. This will give the cookies a rich texture and delicious taste.
- Powdered sugar: Preferably freshly ground, as commercial powdered sugar may contain anti-caking agents.
- Cornstarch: This is the key ingredient that gives the "mushroom" cookies their specific fragility. It is important to measure it correctly to achieve the desired dough consistency.

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Preheat the oven: Start by preheating the oven to 180°C. This step is essential for the cookies to bake evenly.

2. Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, cream the soft butter (at room temperature) with the powdered sugar and a pinch of salt. Use a spatula or an electric mixer to achieve a creamy mixture.

3. Adding wet ingredients: Add the two egg yolks, oil, and vanilla essence. Mix until everything is well combined.

4. Incorporating sparkling water: Gradually add the two tablespoons of sparkling water to the mixture, continuing to mix.

5. Incorporating dry ingredients: In another bowl, combine the cornstarch with the flour and baking powder. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet composition, kneading until you obtain a soft yet moldable dough. It is important not to add all the flour at once but gradually, to control the dough's consistency.

6. Forming the balls: On a floured surface, take the dough and form small balls the size of a walnut. Place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, leaving space between them, as they will expand slightly.

7. Decorating the cookies: Use a wide-mouth plastic bottle (like a PET bottle) to sprinkle cocoa powder on each ball. Dip the mouth of the bottle into the cocoa, then gently press down on each ball. Be careful not to spill cocoa on the tray.

8. Baking: Place the tray in the preheated oven on the top rack and bake the cookies for 20 minutes. Check them: they should remain white, with a slightly creamy bottom.

9. Cooling and serving: After baking, let the cookies cool on a wire rack. They are excellent served as is, but can also be accompanied by a cup of tea or coffee for a moment of indulgence.

Personalized version: If you want to add a touch of originality, you can replace some of the flour with cocoa to achieve a darker dough. Additionally, adding ground nuts or chocolate chips will transform these cookies into an even more delicious choice.

Nutritional benefits: These cookies are a quick source of energy due to the sugar and healthy fats from the butter. Moreover, due to the cornstarch, they are easy to digest, making them a delightful treat for indulgent moments.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use coconut oil instead of butter?
Yes, you can use coconut oil, but it will change the final texture and taste of the cookies.

2. How can I keep the cookies fresh?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can stay fresh for a few days.

3. Can I add different flavors?
Absolutely! You can experiment with essences like almond or orange to add a fragrant twist to these cookies.

4. How can I make the cookies crunchier?
You can add a little more flour or bake the cookies longer, being careful not to burn them.

These "mushroom" cookies are perfect for special occasions as well as a quick snack. I invite you to try them and share them with your loved ones. Each bite will remind you of joyful moments spent with family and friends. Enjoy!

 Ingredients: 200 g butter at room temperature, 1 tablespoon oil, 2 egg yolks, 2 tablespoons sparkling water, 150 g powdered sugar, 500 g corn starch, about 200 g flour (enough to make a good modeling dough), 10 g baking powder (one packet), a vial of vanilla essence, a pinch of salt, 1 tablespoon cocoa.