Spiral cookies
Delicious spiral cookies: a perfect recipe for indulgent moments
Total preparation time: 1 hour
Baking time: 15 minutes
Chilling time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 24 cookies
The story behind the spiral cookies is one filled with nostalgia, evoking childhood memories when every family gathering was marked by delicious sweets. This simple yet elegant dessert can add a special touch to any festive meal or can be enjoyed on a quiet afternoon with a cup of tea or coffee. Whether you make them for Christmas or simply to treat your family, the spiral cookies will win you over from the very first bite.
Essential ingredients:
- 200 g soft butter (ideally at room temperature for easy mixing)
- 100 g powdered sugar (I recommend using quality powdered sugar for a fine texture)
- Juice from 1/2 lemon (this will add a note of freshness)
- 250 g flour (you can use regular wheat flour)
- 1 pinch of salt (to balance the sweetness)
- 1/2 packet of baking powder (to give them a fluffy texture)
- 1 egg (make sure it is fresh)
- 3 tablespoons of cocoa (to create that intense color and flavor)
Step 1: Preparing the dough
Start by mixing the soft butter with the powdered sugar. Use an electric mixer on medium speed to achieve a creamy, well-incorporated mixture. Add the egg, salt, and lemon juice, continuing to mix until smooth. This mixture will form the base of your cookies.
Step 2: Adding the dry ingredients
Sift the flour and baking powder, then gradually add them to the butter mixture, continuing to mix on low speed. Finally, divide the dough into two equal parts. This way, you will obtain two types of dough: one with cocoa and one plain.
Step 3: Creating the cocoa dough
In one of the dough parts, add the 3 tablespoons of cocoa and mix well until the cocoa is fully incorporated. In the other part, do not add anything, leaving it white.
Step 4: Chilling the dough
Wrap each piece of dough in plastic wrap and chill for about 30 minutes. This step is essential as it will make the dough easier to handle and prevent the cookies from deforming during baking.
Step 5: Shaping the spiral
After the dough has chilled, roll each piece into a thin sheet, about 0.5 cm thick. Place the cocoa sheet over the white one, ensuring they overlap evenly. Carefully roll the dough, starting from the edge, until you form a tight log. Wrap the log in plastic wrap and chill again for another 30 minutes. This step will help maintain the spiral shape during baking.
Step 6: Slicing
Once the dough has firmed up, remove the wrap and slice the log into pieces about 0.5 cm thick. Place the slices on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, leaving a little space between them to allow for expansion during baking.
Step 7: Baking
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Bake the cookies for about 15 minutes or until they turn slightly golden at the edges. Be careful, as baking times may vary depending on your oven, so check them periodically.
Step 8: Cooling and serving
After the cookies are baked, let them cool on a wire rack. These spiral cookies are delicious both warm and cold, and their aroma will fill the house with a pleasant scent. You can serve them plain or decorate them with a bit of powdered sugar for an elegant look.
Variations and serving suggestions
If you want to add a personal touch, you can fill some of the cookies with jam, as I did. By folding the dough slightly, you can create a checkerboard effect that will surely impress. These cookies pair perfectly with a cup of fruit tea or aromatic coffee.
Nutritional benefits
These spiral cookies are rich in flavor but should be consumed in moderation due to their sugar and butter content. However, the butter contains healthy fats that can contribute to a balanced diet, and cocoa adds antioxidants.
Frequently asked questions
1. Can I replace the butter with margarine?
Yes, but the texture and taste will be different. Butter provides a richer flavor.
2. How can I make these cookies healthier?
You can use natural sweeteners or whole wheat flour, but you'll need to adjust the proportions.
3. What is the best way to store them?
Keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their freshness.
These spiral cookies are a delight for both the eyes and the taste buds, and the preparation process is a pleasure. So, I wish you happy cooking!
Ingredients: 200 g butter, 100 g powdered sugar, juice from 1/2 lemon, 250 g flour, 1 pinch of salt, 1/2 packet of baking powder, 1 egg, 3 tablespoons cocoa
