Tender cookies

The perfect dessert for moments when we want to indulge ourselves or impress a loved one is undoubtedly the tender cookie. This simple and quick treat can be served as is or combined with delicious jam or chocolate cream, making it a versatile choice for any occasion. Below, I will present a detailed recipe to achieve the most tender and flavorful cookies.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 15-20 minutes
Total time: 40-45 minutes
Number of servings: Approximately 24 cookies

Ingredients
- 600 g flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder (approximately 10 g)
- 250 g sugar
- 2 egg yolks
- 250 g yogurt (preferably natural)
- 200 g margarine (or butter, for a richer taste)
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar (approximately 10 g)

Necessary utensils
- Large mixing bowl
- Mixer or whisk
- Plastic wrap
- Baking tray
- Parchment paper
- Knife or cutting wheel

Preparation steps

Step 1: Prepare the ingredients
Start by sifting the flour; this process helps aerate it, making the cookies fluffier. Mix the flour with the baking powder and vanilla sugar in a large bowl. It is important for the dry ingredients to be well combined to ensure uniformity in the dough.

Step 2: Cream the butter
In another bowl, add the softened margarine (or butter if you choose to use it) and sugar. Use a mixer or whisk to blend until you achieve a light and fluffy cream. This is the key stage for incorporating air into the dough, which will contribute to the final texture of the cookies.

Step 3: Integrate the wet ingredients
Add the egg yolks and yogurt to the butter and sugar cream. Mix well until you obtain a homogeneous composition. It is recommended to use natural yogurt, as it contributes to the moisture of the dough, resulting in tender cookies.

Step 4: Form the dough
Gradually add the flour mixture over the wet ingredients and use a spatula or wooden spoon to combine everything. You will obtain a sticky dough, which is important to handle carefully. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This step helps solidify the fat in the dough, making the cookies easier to shape.

Step 5: Shape the cookies
Once the dough has chilled, remove it from the fridge. On a floured surface, roll the dough into a log. Cut the log into slices about 1 cm thick, then shape each piece into a ball. Place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, ensuring you leave enough space between them, as they will spread during baking.

Step 6: Bake
Preheat the oven to 180°C (moderate heat). Bake the cookies for 15-20 minutes until they become slightly golden at the edges. It is important to supervise them, as the baking time may vary depending on the oven.

Step 7: Serve
Once baked, let the cookies cool on a rack. You can serve them plain, but I recommend filling them with fruit jam or chocolate cream for an extra touch of flavor. These cookies can be decorated with powdered sugar or melted chocolate for an attractive visual effect.

Useful tips
- Ingredient variations: You can add 50 g of cocoa to the dough to make chocolate cookies. You can also incorporate chocolate chips or nuts for a crunchy texture.
- Calories and nutritional benefits: Each cookie contains approximately 100-120 calories, depending on the ingredients used. These cookies provide a quick source of energy due to their sugar and fat content, but it is best to consume them in moderation.
- Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use oil instead of margarine? Yes, you can use oil, but the texture will be different. The cookies will be less tender.
- How can I store the cookies? Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature to stay fresh for a few days.
- Can I freeze the cookies? Yes, you can freeze the cookies before baking. Shape them, place them on a tray in the freezer, then transfer them to an airtight container. When you want to bake them, take them out of the freezer and bake them directly, adding a few minutes to the baking time.

Delicious combinations
These tender cookies pair perfectly with a cup of fragrant tea or freshly brewed coffee. They are also excellent to serve at a party alongside a glass of cold lemonade or a fruit cocktail.

Tender cookies are more than just a simple dessert; they are a way to bring joy and comfort into everyday life. I encourage you to experiment with different fillings and ingredient combinations to create your unique version of this classic recipe. Enjoy!