Tender cookies

Tender Cookies – A Delicacy You Won't Forget Easily

Welcome to the flavorful universe of tender cookies! These little treats are perfect for any occasion, from family evenings to elegant parties, and they are sure to bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. Making them is an art, but with each step, you will discover how simple and enjoyable it can be to create something truly special.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Rest time: 3 hours (or overnight)
Baking time: 5 minutes
Total: approximately 3 hours and 20 minutes
Number of servings: 30-40 cookies

Ingredients for Cookies:

- 300 g sifted flour
- 100 g powdered sugar
- 200 g butter (ideally at room temperature)
- 2 egg yolks
- 2 packets of vanilla sugar or one vanilla pod
- A pinch of salt

Ingredients for Royal Icing:

- 2 egg whites
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 350 g powdered sugar
- Food coloring (optional)

Making Tender Cookies

1. Mixing the Ingredients:
In a large bowl, add the soft butter, powdered sugar, egg yolks, and vanilla sugar. Use a mixer or spatula to combine the ingredients until you achieve a smooth and creamy mixture.

2. Adding the Flour:
Sifting the flour is essential to avoid lumps. Add the sifted flour and a pinch of salt to the butter mixture. Knead gently until the dough becomes compact and uniform. Here, you shouldn't over-knead, or the cookies will become hard.

3. Resting the Dough:
Shape the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and place it in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours, preferably overnight. This will help firm up the butter, ensuring a delicate texture when baked.

Cutting and Baking the Cookies

4. Preparing for Baking:
After the dough has rested, sprinkle a little flour on the work surface and roll out the cold dough to an even thickness of about 7-8 mm. You can use a rolling pin to achieve an even spread.

5. Cutting the Cookies:
Use your favorite cookie cutters to cut out the cookies. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving space between them.

6. Baking:
Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius. Bake the cookies for 5 minutes, but keep a close eye on them, as baking time may vary depending on the oven. The cookies should be slightly golden at the edges.

Decorating with Royal Icing

7. Preparing the Royal Icing:
In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Add the lemon juice and cornstarch, continuing to mix. Gradually incorporate the powdered sugar, beating until the consistency is smooth and shiny.

8. Coloring the Icing:
If you want to use colors, divide the icing into separate bowls and add the desired food coloring. Mix well until you achieve the desired shade.

9. Decorating the Cookies:
Use disposable piping bags with small tips to decorate the cookies. If you don’t have these tools, you can easily make cones from parchment paper. Add details, patterns, or writing on the cookies, letting your creativity shine.

Practical Tips and Variations

- Flour: Choose a high-quality type 000 flour for more tender cookies.
- Butter: Make sure the butter is at room temperature for easy incorporation into the mixture.
- Royal Icing: If you have leftover icing, you can keep it covered with a damp cloth to prevent it from drying out. If it happens, add a drop of water or lemon juice to return to the desired consistency.
- Variations: You can add flavors like almond or orange to the dough for a personalized touch. Also, instead of vanilla sugar, you can use vanilla extract for a more intense flavor.

Serving and Combinations

These tender cookies pair perfectly with a cup of hot tea or a flavorful cappuccino. For a party, serve them alongside fruit juices or non-alcoholic cocktails. You can even create a cookie platter by combining this recipe with chocolate cookies or nut biscuits.

Nutritional Benefits

Although they are a dessert, tender cookies can be a better option compared to other commercial sweets, as they contain natural ingredients. The butter provides healthy fats, while the eggs contribute essential proteins. However, it is important to consume them in moderation, considering the sugar content.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, but the texture and taste will vary. Butter provides a richer flavor and a more delicate texture.

2. Why do I need to refrigerate the dough?
This helps to firm up the fat, making the cookies more tender and less sticky during baking.

3. How can I store the cookies?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature, where they will stay fresh for a few days.

I hope this recipe for tender cookies brings you joy in the kitchen and at your tables! Don’t forget to enjoy the cooking process and share the results with your loved ones. Happy baking!

 Ingredients: Ingredients for cookies: 300 g sifted flour, 100 g powdered sugar, 200 g butter, two egg yolks, two packets of vanilla sugar or one vanilla pod, a pinch of salt. Ingredients for Royal icing: two egg whites, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, 2 tablespoons of starch, 350 g powdered sugar, food coloring.