Tender biscuits

Tender cookies from grandma – a recipe that blends tradition with sweet childhood moments. These cookies are so tender and delicate that they simply melt in your mouth! I will share all the necessary steps to prepare them, along with some useful tips to achieve a perfect result.

Total preparation time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 15 minutes
Number of servings: approximately 40 cookies

Ingredients:
- 600 g pastry flour
- 300 g butter (make sure it is at room temperature, cut into small cubes)
- 300 g powdered sugar
- 4-5 egg yolks (or 4 yolks + 1 whole egg for a richer texture)
- Vanilla to taste (you can use vanilla extract or vanilla sugar for a more intense flavor)
- A pinch of salt
- Sour cream (or alternatively, mineral water or cold water) – a little, to bind the dough

A bit of history:
These tender cookies are an old recipe, passed down from generation to generation, often prepared during holidays or special occasions. Their delicate taste and slightly crumbly texture make them perfect to be enjoyed with a cup of tea or coffee, turning any moment into a celebration.

Step by step – Preparing the cookies:

1. Preparing the ingredients:
Start by preparing all the ingredients. Make sure the butter is soft and at room temperature, making it much easier to incorporate into the mixture. Place the flour in a large bowl and add the powdered sugar, mixing gently to combine the two ingredients.

2. Mixing the butter:
Add the cubed butter to the bowl with flour and sugar. Use an electric mixer or food processor to combine the ingredients until the mixture becomes granular and resembles wet sand.

3. Incorporating the yolks:
In another bowl, beat the egg yolks with a pinch of salt and vanilla. Gradually add them to the flour mixture, stirring continuously. This step is crucial for achieving a uniform texture.

4. Adding the sour cream:
Start adding sour cream gradually, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough binds and becomes soft but not sticky. If you don’t have sour cream, you can use mineral water or cold water, but sour cream gives a better flavor.

5. Chilling the dough:
Once you have obtained a homogeneous dough, wrap it in plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for about an hour. This step will make the dough easier to roll out and help it maintain its shape during baking.

6. Rolling and cutting:
After the dough has chilled, sprinkle a little flour on the work surface and roll out a sheet about 5 mm thick. Use cookie cutters to create cookies in various shapes – you can opt for classic shapes or experiment with different creative forms.

7. Baking the cookies:
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Place the cookies on a baking tray lined with parchment paper or greased with a little butter, leaving enough space between them to expand. Bake the cookies for 15 minutes or until they are lightly golden around the edges. Let them cool on a cooling rack.

Serving suggestions:
Tender cookies can be served plain or dusted with powdered sugar on top for an elegant look. You can pair them with a cup of hibiscus tea or a flavored coffee to enhance the flavor. You can also fill them with fruit jam or chocolate for an extra treat.

Useful tips:
- If you want cookies with different flavors, try adding grated lemon or orange zest to the dough.
- You can experiment with different types of flour, such as whole wheat flour, but you may need to adjust the amount of liquid.
- For crunchier cookies, bake them a few minutes longer, but be careful not to burn them!

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use margarine instead of butter? Yes, but the cookies will have a different, less rich texture.
- How can I keep the cookies tender? Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. If you want to freeze them, make sure they are completely cooled before placing them in freezer bags.
- How long can I keep the cookies? The cookies can be kept for up to a week in an airtight container or a few months in the freezer.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that’s left is to get cooking! This tender cookie recipe is more than just a simple recipe; it’s an invitation to create sweet memories with loved ones. Enjoy!

 Ingredients: 600 g pastry flour, 300 g soft butter, cut into small pieces, 300 g powdered sugar, 4-5 egg yolks (or 4 yolks + 1 whole egg), vanilla to taste, a pinch of salt, a little sour cream (or sparkling water, or regular water) to bind the dough.

 Tags:  christmas recipes biscuits