Christmas Cookies

Christmas Cookies with Icing and Colorful Candies

Christmas is approaching quickly, and the aroma of freshly baked cookies fills our hearts with joy and reminds us of the magical moments of childhood. Cookies are a symbol of the winter holidays, and I fondly remember how my mother used to make cookies that we hung on our Christmas tree. Last year, I decided to continue this tradition and was delighted by their sparkling effect on the winter tree. Now, I want to share this delicious recipe with you so that you can enjoy cookies every morning in December.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 10 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 30 minutes (including cooling time)
Number of servings: Approximately 30 cookies

Ingredients:
- 250 g butter (82% fat, for a creamy texture)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (for a more intense flavor)
- 1 packet vanilla sugar (or 1 teaspoon natural vanilla extract)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla essence (Dr. Oetker)
- A pinch of salt (to balance the sweetness)
- 1 egg yolk (to bind the ingredients)
- 1 packet baking powder (to help the cookies rise)
- 400-450 g white flour (adjustable according to the dough consistency)
- 2 packets lemon-flavored icing (Dr. Oetker)
- Various colorful candies (stars, chocolate drops Dr. Oetker, for decoration)

Preparation:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature, especially the butter. This will allow for easier mixing and a better dough texture.

2. Mixing butter with sugar: In a large bowl, add the butter and brown sugar. Use an electric mixer to combine well until the mixture becomes fluffy. This step is essential for achieving airy cookies.

3. Adding flavors: Add the vanilla sugar, vanilla essence, and a pinch of salt. Mix again to incorporate the flavors. The salt will enhance the sweet taste.

4. Including the egg yolk: Add the egg yolk and continue mixing until fully incorporated.

5. Adding flour: Sift the flour together with the baking powder and gradually add it to the butter mixture. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to mix until a homogeneous dough forms. Here, you can adjust the amount of flour based on the humidity in the air.

6. Chilling the dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for one hour. This step is crucial as it will make the dough easier to handle.

7. Cutting the cookies: Remove the dough from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes. On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about 5 mm thick. Use cookie cutters of various sizes to cut out the cookies. If you don’t have a cutter with a hole in the middle, you can use a regular one and a small cutter to cut the center.

8. Baking the cookies: Place the cut cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and put the tray in a preheated oven at 170°C for about 10 minutes, or until the edges turn slightly golden. Do not leave them too long, as we want them to remain soft.

9. Decorating: Once the cookies have completely cooled, it’s time to decorate them. Prepare the icing according to the instructions on the package by mixing it with 3 teaspoons of water. Use a brush or knife to apply the icing over the cookies. Sprinkle colorful candies on top, choosing them according to your preferences. I especially love the red and green chocolate drops, which are perfect for Christmas.

10. Drying the icing: Leave the cookies uncovered and without stacking them until the icing hardens. This is the perfect time to admire your creations!

11. Storing the cookies: Once the icing has hardened, you can store the cookies in a metal tin or hang them on the Christmas tree, just like we did in childhood.

Useful tips:
- You can use salted butter for a more complex flavor, but adjust the amount of salt in the recipe.
- If you want a healthier version, try replacing some of the flour with almond flour or whole wheat flour.
- Experiment with various flavors, such as cinnamon or nutmeg, to add an extra touch of flavor.
- For better consistency, let the dough rest after you’ve prepared it, but before refrigerating it.

Nutritional benefits:
These cookies, while a sweet treat, also offer some nutritional benefits due to the quality butter, which contains healthy fats and vitamins. However, it’s best to consume them in moderation, considering the amount of sugar.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
While you can, the taste and texture will not be the same. Butter provides a superior flavor and texture.

2. How can I make the cookies crunchier?
For crunchier cookies, you can bake them longer or reduce the moisture in the dough.

3. Can I freeze the cookies?
Yes, unglazed cookies can be frozen. Make sure to wrap them well in plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn.

These cookies are more than just a simple dessert; they bring joy and beautiful memories, and cooking together with loved ones turns every bite into unforgettable moments. So, get ready to bring the magic of Christmas into your home with these delicious cookies!

 Ingredients: 250 g butter 82% fat, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 packet vanilla sugar, 2 teaspoons Dr. Oetker vanilla essence, a pinch of salt, 1 egg yolk, 1 packet baking powder, 400-450 g white flour, 2 packets Dr. Oetker lemon-flavored icing, assorted colored candies, star-shaped, chocolate drops Dr. Oetker

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