Vanilla cookies with orange
Delicious cookies for Santa: a recipe full of magic
Christmas is a special time, filled with warmth, joy, and of course, delicious aromas. What could be more delightful than preparing fluffy and fragrant cookies that fill the house with the scent of vanilla and citrus? These orange cookies are perfectly balanced, with a soft texture and an irresistible taste. I invite you to discover the simple steps to create these treats, perfect for both the holiday table and as gifts for loved ones.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Chilling time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 15-20 minutes
Total: 1 hour
Number of servings: 20-25 cookies
Necessary ingredients:
- 100 g soft butter (at room temperature)
- 100 g granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 350 g flour
- 1 pinch of salt
- 5 g baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 50 ml fresh orange juice
- 50 g powdered sugar (for decoration)
Useful tip: Make sure the butter is soft but not melted. This will contribute to the fluffy texture of the cookies. If you don't have fresh orange juice, you can use store-bought juice, but the taste will be more intense with freshly squeezed juice.
1. Preparing the dough
Start by placing the butter and granulated sugar in a large bowl. Use a mixer or spatula to mix them well until you achieve a creamy and homogeneous mixture. This step is essential because the air incorporated into the butter will make the cookies fluffier.
2. Incorporating the eggs
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This will help emulsify the ingredients and contribute to a smooth texture of the dough. Don't rush; make sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
3. Combining the dry ingredients
In another bowl, sift the flour, baking powder, and salt. This step is important as sifting will eliminate any lumps and help with even distribution of the ingredients. After mixing the dry ingredients, gradually add them to the butter and egg mixture, stirring continuously.
4. Flavoring the dough
Add the vanilla extract and fresh orange juice. These ingredients will not only provide a wonderful taste but also add a fragrant note that will turn your cookies into true holiday delights. Mix everything well until you obtain an elastic and non-sticky dough.
5. Chilling the dough
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap or place it in a plastic bag and let it chill in the freezer for 30 minutes. This step is crucial to achieve cookies with a nice and even shape. If you don't have time to wait, you can place it in the fridge, but the chilling time will be longer.
6. Preheating the oven
While the dough is chilling, preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Make sure the oven is well heated before placing the tray with cookies. This will ensure even baking.
7. Shaping the cookies
After the chilling time has passed, take the dough out of the freezer. Using a spoon or an ice cream scoop, form small balls of dough and roll them in the powdered sugar. This step will add a sweet touch and a special appearance to your cookies.
Practical tip: If you have a kitchen scale, you can weigh each ball to ensure the cookies are of equal size. A ball of about 26 g is perfect for even baking.
8. Baking the cookies
Place the dough balls on a greased tray lined with parchment paper, leaving about 5 cm between them. Put the tray in the oven and bake the cookies for 15-20 minutes, or until they become slightly golden. Pay attention to the baking time; if you leave them too long, the powdered sugar on the bottom of the cookies may burn, giving a bitter taste.
9. Cooling and serving
After the cookies are baked, take them out of the oven and immediately transfer them to a plate. Let them cool completely. These cookies are delicious served warm, but they become even more flavorful after cooling.
Delicious variations: If you want to experiment, you can add grated orange zest to the dough for an intense and vibrant aroma. Personally, I prefer not to use the zest as I am not a fan of the texture, but for citrus lovers, it’s an excellent choice.
Nutritional benefits: These cookies are a quick source of energy due to the sugar and healthy fats from the butter. Additionally, the orange juice adds a dose of vitamin C, essential for the immune system. In a 100 g serving of cookies, you will find about 450 calories, so enjoy them in moderation!
Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I replace butter with oil?
While you can use oil instead of butter, the texture will be different. I recommend using butter for the best results.
2. Can I add chocolate?
Yes, dark or white chocolate cut into chunks will add extra flavor to your cookies.
3. How can I store the cookies?
The cookies store excellently in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them.
These orange cookies are more than just a dessert; they are part of the magic of the holidays, bringing joy and warmth in every bite. So let’s celebrate Christmas and share these delights with our loved ones!
Ingredients: 100 g soft butter; 100 g granulated sugar; two eggs; 350 g flour; a pinch of salt; 5 g baking powder; vanilla essence; 50 ml fresh orange juice; 50 g powdered sugar.
