Cookie Dough Hedgehog

Cookie Dough Hedgehogs - a playful recipe, perfect for spending quality time with the little ones! These adorable hedgehogs are not only delicious but also an excellent way to introduce kids to the magic of cooking. With a combination of simple ingredients and a creative presentation, you'll be able to create a dessert that brings smiles to everyone's faces.

Preparation time: 40 minutes
Cooling time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Number of servings: 30 pieces

Ingredients
For the dough:
- 100g ground almonds
- 100g crushed biscuits (preferably digestive biscuits or Petit Beurre)
- 70g powdered sugar
- 80g butter (soft, at room temperature)
- 3 tablespoons cocoa powder

For decoration:
- 20g margarine
- 50g dark chocolate (preferably with 70% cocoa content)
- 20 peeled almonds (sliced)
- 2-3 tablespoons grated chocolate (for a nicer appearance)

Step by step to a perfect result

1. Preparing the dough
In a large bowl, combine the ground almonds, crushed biscuits, powdered sugar, and cocoa powder. Mix the dry ingredients well until you achieve a uniform mixture. Then, add the soft butter and mix with a spatula or your hands until the dough becomes homogeneous. It should have a moist texture but not be sticky.

2. Cooling the dough
Once you have the dough, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 40 minutes. This step is essential for achieving a firmer consistency that will allow you to shape the hedgehogs without deforming them.

3. Shaping the hedgehogs
After the dough has cooled, take it out of the fridge. With damp hands, take a small amount of dough and form small balls with one end slightly narrower to mimic the shape of a hedgehog. Place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, leaving enough space between them as they will expand slightly during baking.

4. Melting the chocolate
In a heat-resistant container, place the margarine and dark chocolate and melt them in a double boiler. Make sure no water gets into the mixture; otherwise, the chocolate will spoil. Mix well until you achieve a uniform and glossy composition.

5. Decorating the hedgehogs
Once the chocolate has melted, take each hedgehog and spread the back with the chocolate and margarine mixture. Before the chocolate hardens, sprinkle grated chocolate on top or insert sliced almonds to create the hedgehog's spikes. This detail makes the dessert even more appealing!

6. Final cooling
Let the hedgehogs cool on the tray at room temperature, then place them in the fridge to allow the chocolate to harden completely. After about 30 minutes, they will be ready to be enjoyed!

Serving and suggestions
These cookie dough hedgehogs are perfect for serving at a party, a gathering with friends, or simply as a delicious snack. You can pair them with a cup of warm milk, tea, or even a flavored coffee to create a pleasant contrast between sweet and bitter. Additionally, the hedgehogs can be adapted by adding flavors such as cinnamon or vanilla essence to the dough.

Nutritional benefits
These cookies provide a considerable energy boost due to their sugar and fat content, as well as protein from the almonds. Almonds are an excellent source of vitamin E, which contributes to skin health, and dark chocolate contains antioxidants that can support heart health. However, it is good to know that, given the sugar content, it is recommended to consume them in moderation.

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I substitute almonds with other nuts?
Yes, you can use pecans or walnuts, but the taste will be different. Make sure the nuts are well ground for a uniform texture.

2. What can I use instead of butter?
For a healthier option, you can use coconut oil or a plant-based margarine.

3. How can I make the recipe less sweet?
Reducing the amount of sugar in the dough is an option. You can also use chocolate with a higher cocoa content, which is less sweet.

4. What are the decoration options?
Besides sliced almonds, you can use nuts, sesame seeds, or even coconut flakes to add a different appearance and interesting texture.

Now it's time to get to work! Gather your kids around the cooking table and create these delicious hedgehogs together. They will surely bring a touch of joy and many pleasant moments! Enjoy!