Cinnamon cookies
Cinnamon Cookies – a sweet and fragrant delight, perfect for any occasion
Do you remember the enticing aromas from your childhood, when freshly baked cookies filled your home with a heady scent? This cinnamon cookie recipe will make you relive those moments, providing a quick and delicious dessert ideal for enjoying with loved ones. Whether you're making them for a celebration, a party, or simply to indulge yourself, these cookies are easy to make and absolutely delightful.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Servings: approximately 20 cookies
Ingredients:
- 200 g Rama margarine (or butter, for a richer taste)
- 150 g granulated sugar
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar or 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- ½ packet of baking powder
- Zest of one lemon
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 large egg
- 4 tablespoons yogurt (preferably Greek, for a creamier texture)
- 3 tablespoons beetroot juice (for a touch of color)
- Flour, as needed (approximately 350 g, but may vary)
Preparation:
1. Prepare the ingredients: Make sure the margarine is soft, left at room temperature. This will make it easier to mix with the other ingredients. Cut the margarine into cubes to soften faster.
2. Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the sugar, vanilla sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and lemon zest. Mix well to evenly distribute the flavors. The cinnamon will add a warm and comforting note, while the lemon zest will provide a fresh contrast.
3. Add the wet ingredients: Add the cubes of margarine to the bowl with the dry ingredients and start mixing with a spatula or your hands until the mixture becomes crumbly. Add the egg, yogurt, and beetroot juice. Mix until the ingredients are well combined and you have a smooth dough. The beetroot juice will not only color the cookies but also add a subtle sweetness.
4. Incorporate the flour: Start adding flour gradually, mixing continuously. The dough will become denser and more compact. Continue adding flour until you have a smooth and moldable dough. It's important not to add too much flour, as the cookies may become hard.
5. Chill the dough: Form a ball with the dough and wrap it in plastic wrap. Let it rest in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This step is essential to make the dough easier to handle and to allow the flavors to develop.
6. Shape the cookies: After the dough has chilled, take it out and roll it out on a floured surface to a thickness of about 0.5 cm. Use cookie cutters to create various shapes (stars, hearts, circles – let your imagination run wild!). Place the cookies on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
7. Bake: Preheat the oven to 170-180 degrees Celsius. Bake the cookies for 12-15 minutes or until the edges become slightly golden. It is important not to leave them too long, as they may dry out.
8. Cool: After removing them from the oven, let the cookies cool on a cooling rack. If desired, you can glaze them with a simple icing made from powdered sugar and water or leave them plain, as I did, due to lack of time.
Practical tip: If you want to add a touch of chocolate, you can incorporate some dark or milk chocolate chips into the dough before baking. These cinnamon cookies pair perfectly with a cup of tea or coffee, making them a perfect afternoon snack.
Healthy variant: You can replace the margarine with coconut oil for a healthier option. Also, sugar can be substituted with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup, but you will need to adjust the amount of liquids.
Nutritional information: Each cookie has approximately 80 calories, making it a tolerable snack within a balanced diet. These cookies also contain beneficial nutrients from yogurt and beetroot, which provide protein and antioxidants.
Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I replace margarine with butter?
Yes, butter offers a richer taste, but I recommend letting it sit at room temperature before using it.
2. Can I add nuts or dried fruits?
Absolutely! Nuts, almonds, or raisins pair wonderfully with the flavors of these cookies.
3. How can I keep the cookies fresh?
Store the cookies in an airtight container and keep them in a cool place. They will remain delicious for several days.
These cinnamon cookies are not only simple to make but also an excellent way to bring a touch of joy to every day. So let's enrich our meals with this quick and delicious dessert! Maybe next time you'll glaze them, or perhaps you'll experiment with new flavors. Whatever your choice, it's hard to go wrong with these fragrant cookies!
Ingredients: 200 g margarine, 150 g sugar, one vanilla pod, half a teaspoon of baking powder, grated zest of one lemon, one teaspoon of cinnamon, 1 egg, 4 tablespoons of yogurt, 3 tablespoons of beetroot juice, flour as needed, about 350 g
