Tree Bark Cookies

Tree Bark Cookies - A Nostalgic Delight

Who doesn't remember the aroma and taste of Tree Bark Cookies from childhood? They are a perfect choice for those festive days when we gather with loved ones and enjoy shared moments. Tree Bark Cookies are crispy on the outside, with a soft and fluffy texture inside, and the combination of citrus and nut flavors gives them a unique taste. Let's discover together how to prepare them!

Preparation time: 60 minutes
Baking time: 25 minutes per tray
Number of servings: Approximately 40 cookies

Ingredients:
- 250 g butter or margarine (ideally 72% fat)
- 1 egg (for the dough) + 1 egg for brushing
- 4 tablespoons sugar
- 1 packet vanilla sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 packet baking powder
- Zest of one lemon
- Zest of one orange, preserved in sugar in a jar
- 1 glass of borscht (approximately 250 ml)
- Flour (as needed, approximately 500 g)
- Chopped hazelnuts and walnuts for decoration

Preparing Tree Bark Cookies

Step 1: Preparing the Dough
Start by grating the cold butter or margarine on a large grater. This technique helps incorporate the fat evenly into the dough, giving it a fluffier texture. Add the grated butter to a large bowl and combine it with the four tablespoons of sugar, vanilla sugar, egg, salt, lemon zest, and orange zest. Mix all the ingredients well, using a spatula or a mixer on low speed.

Step 2: Incorporating the Borscht and Flour
After the wet ingredients are well mixed, add the borscht. This not only adds a slight tangy taste but also helps activate the baking powder. Start adding the flour gradually, mixing continuously, until you obtain a soft dough that can be rolled out. It is important not to add too much flour, as the cookies will become hard.

Step 3: Resting the Dough
Once you have a homogeneous dough, divide it into two equal parts. Cover each part with plastic wrap and let them chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. This will help firm up the butter and make the dough easier to handle.

Step 4: Shaping the Cookies
On a clean surface, sprinkle a little flour and roll out the first part of the dough into a sheet about 5 mm thick. Brush the sheet with beaten egg, then sprinkle with chopped hazelnuts and walnuts along with a little sugar. Cut the dough into strips about 2 cm wide and place them on trays lined with baking paper, leaving a finger's width between each strip.

Step 5: Baking the Cookies
Preheat the oven to 180°C (medium heat). Bake the cookies for 25 minutes or until they turn golden. Keep an eye on them in the last minutes of baking, as they can brown quickly.

Step 6: Cooling and Storing
After baking, let the cookies cool on a cooling rack. Once cooled, you can store them in metal cookie boxes, where they will remain crispy and delicious.

Practical Tips:
- You can substitute hazelnuts with walnuts or almonds, depending on your preferences. This will slightly change the flavor but will add an interesting note.
- If you want to enhance the aroma, you can also add a little cinnamon or ground ginger to the dough.
- Serving the cookies with a cup of hot tea or hot chocolate will turn any afternoon into a special moment.

Nutritional Benefits:
These cookies contain ingredients that provide a good source of healthy fats (from nuts), vitamins (from citrus), and carbohydrates. Although they are sweet, moderate consumption can be part of a balanced diet.

Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can I use oil instead of butter?
We do not recommend it, as the texture will be different. Butter provides a unique taste and texture.

2. How can I keep the cookies longer?
Make sure they are completely cooled before storing them in airtight containers; this will help them last better.

3. Can I use other flavors?
Of course! Experiment with vanilla or almond extracts to customize your cookies.

4. How can I tell when the cookies are done?
A golden color is a good indicator. If they are too light, leave them in the oven for a few more minutes.

In conclusion, Tree Bark Cookies are not just a simple recipe, but also a way to bring back beautiful memories and share joy with loved ones. Enjoy!

 Ingredients: 250 g butter or margarine 72% fat; 1 egg + 1 egg for brushing; 4 tablespoons sugar; 1 packet vanilla sugar; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 packet baking powder; Lemon zest; Orange zest kept in sugar in a jar; 1 glass of borscht; Flour as needed; Ground hazelnuts and walnuts for decoration.