Biscuits
Delicious Iced Cookies: An Unforgettable Experience in the Kitchen
Cookies are a universal delicacy, loved by everyone, from the little ones to the grown-ups. Whether we enjoy them with a cup of tea or give them as a special gift, these iced cookies are perfect for any occasion. Our recipe will guide you through every step, from mixing the ingredients to the final decoration, ensuring that the result will impress anyone.
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 10 minutes (per tray)
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 20 medium cookies
Ingredients
For the cookies:
- 200 g butter, at room temperature
- 100 g powdered sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon orange extract
- 1 tablespoon sour cream
- 400 g flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1-2 tablespoons cold water (if needed)
For the icing:
- 2 egg whites
- 330 g powdered sugar flavored with vanilla (make sure it’s starch-free!)
- 1-2 teaspoons lemon juice
Preparation Steps
1. Preheat the oven and prepare the trays
Start by preheating the oven to 180 °C. This will ensure even and perfect baking of the cookies. Line 3-4 trays with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.
2. Prepare the dough
In a large bowl, beat the butter with the powdered sugar using a mixer or spatula until it becomes fluffy and airy. Add the egg, vanilla and orange extracts, as well as the sour cream, continuing to mix. It’s important that the butter is at room temperature for better incorporation.
3. Incorporate the dry ingredients
In another bowl, mix the flour with the baking soda. This combination will help the cookies rise, giving them a light texture. Gradually incorporate the flour mixture into the butter mixture, mixing with a spatula or your hands until the dough becomes homogeneous. If the dough is too dry, add 1-2 tablespoons of cold water to make it more pliable.
4. Shape the cookies
On a floured surface, roll out the dough with a rolling pin to a thickness of about 0.5 cm. Use cookie cutters to cut out various shapes, such as stars, flowers, or hearts. Place the cookies on the prepared trays, leaving space between them, as they will slightly expand during baking.
5. Bake the cookies
Put one of the trays in the preheated oven and bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges start to turn slightly golden. Remove them from the oven and let them cool on a cooling rack.
6. Prepare the icing
To prepare the icing, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until frothy. Gradually add the powdered sugar flavored with vanilla, continuing to beat until you achieve a glossy and firm foam. Add the lemon juice to enhance the flavor and stabilize the icing.
7. Decorate the cookies
Once the cookies have completely cooled, use a spatula or a piping bag to decorate each cookie with the prepared icing. Let your imagination run wild, creating various patterns or simply covering the cookies with a uniform icing.
Practical Tips
- Choose ingredients carefully: Use quality butter, as this will influence the final flavor and texture of the cookies.
- Ingredient temperature: Ensure that the butter is at room temperature to achieve a fluffy cream.
- Vary the flavors: You can experiment with other flavors instead of vanilla and orange, such as almond or lemon, for a personal touch.
- Keep the cookies fresh: Store the cookies in an airtight container to maintain their flavor and texture.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies are delicious alongside a cup of tea or coffee. They can also be served at parties as an elegant dessert or as a sweet snack during afternoons. If you want to add extra flavor, you can accompany them with warm chocolate sauce or creamy ice cream.
Nutritional Benefits
These cookies, although delicious, should be consumed in moderation. The butter and powdered sugar provide a significant caloric intake. One cookie has about 120 calories, but also offers a dose of energy and good mood due to their flavors and texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
- Yes, but the final texture and taste will be different. Butter provides a richer flavor and better texture.
2. How can I keep cookies longer?
- Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. If you want to keep them for a longer period, you can freeze them.
3. Can I add chocolate to the dough?
- Absolutely! Add chocolate chips to turn these cookies into a true delicacy.
4. Can I use whole wheat flour?
- Yes, but the texture of the cookies will be denser. You can mix whole wheat flour with white flour for a balanced result.
Conclusion
Iced cookies are a wonderful way to bring joy into your life and that of your loved ones. Whether you make them for a special occasion or simply to treat yourself, this simple recipe will give you a delicious result. So, put on your chef's apron, turn on your favorite music, and let your imagination soar in the kitchen!
Ingredients: 200 g butter, at room temperature 100 g powdered sugar 1 egg 1 teaspoon vanilla essence 1 teaspoon orange essence 1 tablespoon sour cream 400 g flour 1 teaspoon baking soda 1-2 tablespoons cold water D cor 2 egg whites 330 g vanilla-flavored powdered sugar (must be purchased as store-bought powdered sugar contains starch) 1-2 teaspoons lemon juice
