English biscuits
Delicious English Cookies: Simple and Quick Recipe
Who doesn't love to enjoy a crispy and flavorful cookie, accompanied by a cup of tea? English cookies have a fascinating history and are a symbol of hospitality in many cultures. Although many of us have had experiences with less pleasant cookies, this recipe will encourage you to give them a new chance. These treats are tender, aromatic, and perfect for savoring with loved ones.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 5-7 minutes
Total time: 22 minutes
Servings: 20 cookies
Ingredients:
- 225 g butter (at room temperature)
- 170 g cane sugar (or powdered white sugar)
- 1 large egg
- 420 g flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 almond essence (or vanilla, depending on preferences)
Step by step for perfect English cookies:
1. Preparing the ingredients: Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature. Soft butter is essential for achieving tender cookies. Weigh the ingredients and prepare them on a work surface.
2. Mixing butter and sugar: In a large bowl, add the butter and sugar. Use an electric mixer or a spatula to combine them until you achieve a creamy and homogeneous mixture. This step is important because the air incorporated into this mixture will make the cookies fluffy.
3. Adding the egg and flavors: Add the egg and almond essence (or vanilla) to the butter and sugar mixture. Continue mixing until everything is well combined. Now is the time to let your imagination soar - you can also add a few drops of orange extract for a more exotic flavor!
4. Incorporating the dry ingredients: Sift the flour together with the baking powder over the wet mixture. Using a spatula, gently mix until the flour is completely incorporated. The dough should be soft but not sticky to the fingers. If it's too sticky, add a little more flour, but don't overdo it!
5. Shaping the cookies: Divide the dough into small balls. You can use a spoon or a measuring scoop to keep the sizes uniform. Flatten each ball on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Leave space between them as the cookies will spread during baking.
6. Baking the cookies: Preheat the oven to 170°C (top and bottom heating) or 200°C for fan ovens. Bake the cookies for 5-7 minutes or until the edges turn a light golden color while the surface remains smooth. Avoid leaving them in the oven for too long, as we want them to stay tender.
7. Cooling the cookies: Once the cookies are done, let them cool on a wire rack for a few minutes. This will allow the moisture to evaporate, leaving them crispy and perfect.
Serving suggestions: These delicious cookies can be enjoyed plain or shared with a warm tea. You can also dip them in melted chocolate for an extra flavor boost, but honestly, they are so tender and good that it’s not even necessary!
Tips and variations:
- You can add chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruits to the dough to give them a personal touch.
- If you want fluffier cookies, add a pinch of salt to the dry ingredient mixture.
- If you prefer a more intense vanilla flavor, you can replace the almond essence with pure vanilla extract.
Nutritional benefits: English cookies are a good source of energy due to the high content of healthy fats from butter and natural sugar from cane sugar. In moderation, they can be part of a balanced diet, providing moments of indulgence and pleasure in every bite.
Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use margarine instead of butter?: While butter provides a richer flavor and a finer texture, you can use margarine, but the result may be different.
- Can I store the cookies?: The cookies store well in an airtight container for 5-7 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them.
So, don’t wait any longer! Start making these delicious English cookies and enjoy every bite with your loved ones. Enjoy your meal!
Ingredients: 1 egg, 1 essence of almonds (or vanilla, whichever you prefer), 2 teaspoons of baking powder, 170 grams of cane sugar or powdered white sugar, 420 grams of flour, 225 grams of butter
