Decorated Christmas Trees - Cookies with Lard and Nuts

Name: Decorated Christmas Trees - Cookies with Lard and Nuts - Ecaterina P.
Ingredients: 3 cups flour 200 g sugar 150; 200 g lard 1 egg 1 packet baking powder 1 packet ammonia for baking 1/2 cup ground walnuts rum essence 1 teaspoon cinnamon candies and stars for decoration 2 eggs for brushing

Dessert - Decorated Christmas Trees - Cookies with Lard and Nuts by Ecaterina P. - Recipia

Lard and Walnut Cookies - Decorated Christmas Trees This recipe for decorated Christmas trees is perfect for bringing the magic of Christmas into your home. The lard and walnut cookies are delicious, tender, and easy to prepare, making them perfect for enjoying with loved ones during this festive season. With flavors of rum and cinnamon, these cookies will fill your home with an inviting aroma that will truly get you into the holiday spirit. Total preparation time: 2 hours Preparation time: 30 minutes Cooling time: 1 hour Baking time: 15-20 minutes Number of servings: Approximately 30 Christmas trees Ingredients: - 3 cups of flour (approximately 360 g) - 200 g of sugar - 150-200 g of lard (or butter, if you prefer a more classic version) - 1 egg - 1 packet (10 g) baking powder - 1 packet (10 g) baking ammonia - ½ cup of ground walnuts (approximately 50 g) - 1 teaspoon of rum essence - 1 teaspoon of cinnamon - Candies and stars for decoration - 2 eggs for brushing at the end Preparation: 1. Mixing the ingredients: In a large bowl, add the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking ammonia, and cinnamon. Mix the dry ingredients well to combine them evenly. Then, add the lard cut into cubes and the egg. Use a mixer or spatula to incorporate the lard into the mixture until you achieve a sandy texture. 2. Adding the flavors: Incorporate the ground walnuts and rum essence into the dough. This combination will give the Christmas trees a rich flavor and pleasant texture. 3. Chilling the dough: Form the dough into a ball, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This step is essential to achieve tender and crispy Christmas trees. 4. Cutting the shapes: After the dough has chilled, sprinkle a little flour on the working surface. Roll out the dough to about 5 mm thickness. Use Christmas tree shapes (or any other festive shape) to cut out the cookies. Place them on an ungreased tray or lined with parchment paper. 5. Preparing for baking: Beat the remaining 2 eggs in a small bowl. Using a brush, glaze each Christmas tree with the beaten egg. This step will give them a golden and shiny color at the end. Sprinkle decorative candies and stars on top to give them a festive look. 6. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake the Christmas trees for 15-20 minutes, or until they become slightly golden at the edges. Let them cool on a cooling rack. 7. Serving: These cookies are delicious warm but can also be enjoyed at room temperature. Serve them with a cup of hot tea or a glass of milk, and the festive atmosphere will be complete. Practical tips: - Choosing lard: Lard provides a distinct texture and rich flavor, but you can also use butter for a more familiar taste. Make sure the butter is at room temperature for easier incorporation. - Customization: You can add dried fruits or chopped chocolate to the dough for a personal touch. - Storage: The cookies store well in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days. You can also freeze them for later use. Nutritional benefits: These cookies contain walnuts, which are a good source of healthy fats, protein, and fiber. Whole wheat flour and sugar can be replaced with whole versions for a healthier option. Additionally, cinnamon is known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Frequently asked questions: 1. Can I use gluten-free flour? - Yes, you can replace regular flour with a gluten-free version, but it is recommended to add a binding agent, such as xanthan or psyllium, to achieve a similar texture. 2. How can I make these cookies less sweet? - You can reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe by 20-30% or use a natural sugar substitute, such as stevia or erythritol. 3. What can I pair these cookies with? - Lard and walnut cookies pair wonderfully with mulled wine or a flavored fruit tea to complete the festive atmosphere. So, enjoy the magic of Christmas with these lard and walnut cookies, which are not only delicious but also easy to prepare. Create beautiful memories around the table by sharing these decorated Christmas trees with your loved ones and let them become part of your holiday traditions. Enjoy!

Decorated Christmas Trees - Cookies with Lard and Nuts

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