Petit Beurre Biscuits
Petit Beurre Cookies - A Crunchy and Tasty Treat
Petit Beurre cookies are a classic dessert, a symbol of the joy of cooking and the pleasure of savoring something sweet and crunchy. These cookies, with their fine texture and delicate flavor, have a rich history, cherished by generations. Whether enjoyed plain, with a layer of jam, or alongside a cup of tea, these cookies bring a touch of happiness to every day.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Chilling time: 2 hours (or more, preferably)
Baking time: 15 minutes
Number of servings: Approximately 25 cookies
Ingredients
- 400 g flour
- 160 g cold butter (preferably high quality)
- 100 g sugar
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- A pinch of salt
- 8-10 tablespoons of liquid sweet cream
Necessary utensils
- Large mixing bowl
- Scissors or knife for cutting the dough
- Grater (if you want to add citrus zest)
- Baking tray
- Parchment paper
- Plastic wrap
Preparation instructions
Step 1: Preparing the dough
1. In a large bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, vanilla sugar, and sugar. It is important to combine the dry ingredients very well to ensure an even distribution of flavors. If desired, add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor of the cookies.
2. Add the cold butter cut into cubes. Use your fingertips to crumble the butter into the flour mixture. This is an essential step to achieve a tender texture - avoid warming the dough with your hands.
3. Once the mixture resembles fine crumbs, add the egg yolk and sweet cream. Mix quickly to form a uniform dough. Do not knead too much, as you want to keep the cookies light and fragile.
Step 2: Chilling the dough
4. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. This step is crucial, as it allows the butter to firm up, contributing to the crunchy texture of the cookies.
Step 3: Shaping the cookies
5. After the dough has chilled, sprinkle flour on the work surface. Remove the dough from the refrigerator and roll it out to a thickness of about 1 cm. This can be done with a rolling pin, taking care not to press too hard.
6. Use cookie cutters, a glass, or a pizza cutter to cut the cookies into various shapes. Whether you opt for classic or more cheerful shapes, personalization is key!
7. Place the cookies on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, leaving space between them to allow for expansion during baking.
Step 4: Baking the cookies
8. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Once it reaches the desired temperature, place the tray with cookies in the oven and bake for about 15 minutes, or until they turn slightly golden around the edges.
9. After the cookies are done, let them cool on a wire rack. This will help firm them up, giving them maximum crunch.
Chef's tip
For an even more intense flavor, you can add lemon or orange zest to the flour mixture. Also, feel free to experiment with different types of sugar (e.g., brown sugar) or replace some of the cream with yogurt for a healthier option.
Delicious combinations
Petit Beurre cookies are perfect alongside a cup of tea or coffee, but also with a glass of warm milk. Additionally, you can use them as a base for a delicious dessert: crumble the cookies and mix them with a layer of cream cheese or chocolate.
Nutritional information
These cookies are a good source of carbohydrates, but it's important to consume them in moderation, as they contain approximately 70 calories per cookie. Quality ingredients like butter and cream provide healthy fats, but remember that balance is key!
Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use reduced-fat butter?
It is not recommended, as butter adds a rich flavor and a crunchy texture. However, if you have nothing else on hand, you can use a healthier alternative.
2. How can I store the cookies?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay crunchy for up to a week.
3. Can I freeze them?
Yes, unbaked cookies can be frozen. Wrap them in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. When you want to bake them, let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before baking.
Conclusion
Petit Beurre cookies are an excellent choice for any occasion, from a little personal treat to a gathering with friends. With every bite, you will feel the love and passion for cooking. So embrace this process and enjoy every moment spent in the kitchen! Enjoy your meal!
Ingredients: 400 g flour 160 g butter 100 g sugar one egg yolk one teaspoon baking powder one packet of vanilla sugar a pinch of salt 8-10 tablespoons of liquid sweet cream