Spritz Cookies
Piped Cookies - A Classic Delight for Indulgent Moments
Total preparation time: 40 minutes
Baking time: 20 minutes
Number of servings: 30-35 cookies
Piped cookies are an excellent choice for those who want to enjoy a quick and tasty dessert. These cookies, with a crunchy texture and aromatic flavor, are perfect to be served alongside a cup of tea, coffee, or a glass of milk. The recipe is simple, but the result is exceptional, and today I will guide you step by step to prepare them at home.
Essential ingredients:
- 1 kg flour
- 250 g lard (make sure it is at room temperature to integrate well into the dough)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 250 g sugar (preferably fine sugar for quicker dissolution)
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- Zest of one orange and one lemon (or orange essence for a more intense flavor)
- 1 egg (to bind the ingredients)
- 2 tablespoons cocoa (you can adjust the amount to your preference)
Step 1: Preparing the ingredients
Start by weighing all the ingredients to have everything at hand. It is important to use fresh ingredients, as they will influence the final taste of the cookies. Carefully zest the orange and lemon, making sure not to include the white part, which can give a bitter taste.
Step 2: Preparing the dough
In a large bowl, combine the flour and baking powder, mixing well. In another container, mix the lard with the sugar and vanilla sugar until you get a creamy mixture. Add the egg and the citrus zest, continuing to mix until well combined. Start gradually incorporating the flour mixture, stirring with a spatula or by hand until you obtain a firm and homogeneous dough. If you prefer chocolate cookies, you can also add 2 tablespoons of cocoa, integrating it evenly into the dough.
Step 3: Shaping the cookies
To give the cookies an attractive shape, use a meat grinder with a piping attachment or shape the cookies manually. You can cut the dough into various shapes, such as circles, squares, or even stars. Make sure the cookies are of uniform size to bake evenly.
Step 4: Baking
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Place the cookies on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, leaving space between them to prevent sticking during baking. Bake for about 20 minutes or until golden. It is important not to leave them too long in the oven, as they can dry out.
Step 5: Finish and serve
Once the cookies are ready, let them cool on a rack. Once cooled, you can dust them with powdered sugar for a more appealing look and an extra touch of sweetness. They can be served with tea, coffee, or milk, making them a perfect accompaniment for relaxation moments.
Variations and suggestions:
If you want to experiment, you can add chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruits to the dough for a varied taste and texture. You can also try different flavors, such as cinnamon or cardamom, for a flavorful twist.
Piped cookies are not just a simple dessert, but also a wonderful way to bring a touch of tradition to your kitchen. Enjoy them with your loved ones and savor every bite!
Ingredients: 1 kg flour, 250 g lard, 1 baking powder, grated peel of orange and lemon (or orange essence), 250 g sugar, 1 packet of vanilla sugar, 1 egg (+2 tablespoons cocoa)
