Shortbread cookies
Lard Cookies - a recipe full of nostalgia and joy
Preparation time: 40 minutes
Baking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: Approximately 4 trays of cookies
Recipe history
Lard cookies are a traditional dish that is part of many families' cuisine, deeply rooted in childhood memories. These cookies are often associated with festive moments when the family gathers around the table to enjoy treats made with love. This recipe, inspired by the method of making crescent rolls, has been adapted and improved with flavorful ingredients such as ground almonds and aromatic essences to create a quick and delicious dessert, perfect for any occasion.
Essential ingredients
- 175 g lard
- 175 g butter
- 175 g natural yogurt
- 1 egg (preferably at room temperature)
- 1 cube of fresh yeast
- 2-3 tablespoons of milk (for the starter)
- 2-3 tablespoons of sugar
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- A pinch of salt
- 100 g ground almonds
- 1-2 drops of almond essence
- 1-2 drops of rum essence
- Zest of an orange (or lemon, for a citrus note)
- Flour – as needed (approximately 740 g, but may vary)
Ingredient tips
1. Lard: Choosing a quality lard can make a significant difference in the texture of the cookies. Pork or duck lard provides a rich flavor and perfect flakiness.
2. Ground almonds: Almonds add a pleasant aroma and interesting texture. If you don't have almonds, you can substitute them with ground walnuts or pistachios.
3. Essences: Using rum and almond essences provides a unique fragrance. You can also experiment with other flavors, such as vanilla or orange essence.
Preparation techniques
1. Activating the yeast: In a small cup, crumble the yeast cube. Add 2-3 tablespoons of warm milk and a dash of sugar. Mix well and let the mixture activate for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
2. Mixing the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the lard and butter at room temperature. Use a spatula or mixer to blend them together. Add the beaten egg, yogurt, and activated starter. Mix until well combined.
3. Adding flavors: Next, add the ground almonds, vanilla sugar, orange zest, and essences. Finally, gradually add the flour until the dough becomes smooth and easy to shape. It is important not to add too much flour, as the cookies will become hard.
4. Resting the dough: Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let the dough rest for 30 minutes. This will help the gluten relax, making the dough easier to handle.
5. Shaping the cookies: Roll out the dough on a work surface without using flour, as the lard will prevent sticking. Use your favorite shapes to cut the cookies into various forms – flowers, hearts, or stars.
6. Baking: Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake them in a preheated oven at 180°C for about 20 minutes, turning the tray after the first 10 minutes for even baking. The cookies are ready when they turn golden around the edges.
7. Finishing: After removing them from the oven, let the cookies cool slightly, then roll them in powdered sugar for a decorative effect and extra sweetness.
Serving and storage
Lard cookies are perfect to be served alongside a cup of tea or coffee, but they are also delicious as a snack between meals. You can give them as gifts in beautiful packaging or enjoy them with loved ones.
To keep them fresh, store them in a heat-resistant glass container with a lid to maintain moisture and freshness. These cookies can last a few weeks, but they definitely won't last that long!
Customized version
If you want to add a personal touch to the recipe, try replacing the almonds with walnuts or hazelnuts, or adding chocolate chips for a decadent flavor. You can also experiment with different essence flavors, such as lavender or ginger, to create a unique variation of these cookies.
Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use other fats instead of lard?
Yes, you can use only butter or a combination of butter and coconut oil for a different flavor. However, the texture will be different.
2. How can I make the cookies less sweet?
Reducing the amount of sugar in the recipe is an option, but be careful not to affect the consistency of the dough. You can use natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup.
3. Can I freeze the cookies?
Yes, the cookies can be frozen. Make sure they are completely cooled, then you can store them in an airtight container. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.
The joy of cooking is unparalleled, and these lard cookies are a wonderful way to share moments of joy and flavor with loved ones. Cooking is an art form, and every recipe has a story. So, don't hesitate to add your own memories and variations to turn this recipe into a personal masterpiece!
Ingredients: 175 g lard, 175 g butter, 175 g yogurt, 1 egg, 1 cube of yeast, 2-3 tablespoons of milk for the starter, 2-3 tablespoons of sugar, 1 vanilla sugar, salt, 100 g ground almonds, almond essence, rum essence, orange zest, flour as needed
