Tender cookies

Name: Tender cookies - Augustina C.
Ingredients: 300 g flour; 70 g powdered sugar; 200 g butter (82% fat); 2 egg yolks; a pinch of salt. Royal Icing: 2 egg whites; 300 g powdered sugar; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 6 tablespoons cornstarch; food coloring.

Dessert - Tender cookies by Augustina C. - Recipia

Decorated Cookies with Royal Icing – The Perfect Gift for Loved Ones There is no more beautiful and personalized gift than cookies decorated with love, and this recipe will help you create a small culinary masterpiece. The tender cookies, covered with colorful royal icing, are ideal for adding a touch of originality to holidays, anniversaries, or any special occasion. Plus, making these delights can transform an ordinary day into a joyful experience. Preparation Time - Preparation: 30 minutes - Rest: 1 hour - Baking: 8 minutes per tray - Total: Approximately 2 hours (including cooling and decorating time) - Number of servings: 24 cookies Ingredients For Cookies - 300 g flour - 70 g powdered sugar - 200 g butter (preferably 82% fat, for a rich taste) - 2 egg yolks - 1 pinch of salt For Royal Icing - 2 egg whites - 300 g powdered sugar - 1 tablespoon lemon juice - 6 tablespoons cornstarch - Food coloring (optional, to add a splash of color) Ingredient Details - Flour: Choose a good quality flour, type 00 or cake flour, to achieve a fine texture. - Butter: High-fat butter gives a more intense flavor and a more tender texture to the cookies. - Powdered sugar: This is essential for achieving a fine and sweet dough, as well as for royal icing. History of Decorated Cookies Decorated cookies have a long history, being traditional in many cultures where sweets were offered as a symbol of goodwill. In the past, they were often made for holidays, and today they have become an artistic gift that anyone can create with a little patience and creativity. Step by Step for Decorated Cookies 1. Preparing the Dough: - Take the butter out of the fridge 20 minutes before starting. - In a large bowl, combine the flour, powdered sugar, egg yolks, and salt. - Add the butter cut into small cubes. Use your fingers to knead the mixture until it becomes a compact and homogeneous dough. 2. Resting the Dough: - Wrap the dough in cling film and refrigerate for 1 hour. This step is essential for achieving tender cookies. 3. Cutting the Cookies: - Dust the work surface with flour. Use a rolling pin to roll out the dough into an even sheet, about 5 mm thick. - Cut the cookies using a round cutter. 4. Baking the Cookies: - Preheat the oven to 150°C and line a tray with baking paper. - Place the cookies on the tray and bake for 7-8 minutes, checking them constantly to avoid burning. Baking time may vary depending on the oven. 5. Cooling the Cookies: - After baking, let the cookies sit on the tray for a few minutes, then transfer them to a rack to cool completely. Preparing the Royal Icing 1. Whipping the Egg Whites: - In a bowl, add the egg whites and beat them until stiff peaks form. - Add the lemon juice and cornstarch, continuing to beat. 2. Incorporating the Sugar: - Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until you achieve a smooth consistency. If it's too thick, you can add a teaspoon of water until you reach the desired texture. 3. Coloring the Icing: - Divide the mixture into small bowls and add your preferred food coloring. Make sure to mix well to achieve even shades. Decorating the Cookies 1. Filling the Piping Bags: - Place the royal icing into disposable piping bags. - Fill the base of the cookies with royal icing and leave them on a tray to dry. 2. Drying Time: - Drying can take from 1 to 3 days, but with a little patience, depending on humidity, your cookies will be ready to decorate. 3. Final Decoration: - Once the icing has dried, prepare more royal icing and decorate the cookies with details. Be creative and let your imagination soar! Practical Tips - Perfect Texture: If the dough is too sticky, you can add a little more flour. If it is too dry, add a drop of water. - The Fridge is Your Ally: Once you finish decorating, you can store the cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh. - Add Flavor: You can experiment with vanilla or almond extracts in the dough for an extra flavor boost. - Delicious Combinations: Serve the decorated cookies with tea or coffee. A fresh lemonade would perfectly complement their sweet taste. Frequently Asked Questions - Can I use pasteurized egg whites for royal icing? Yes, pasteurized egg whites are an excellent option, especially if you don't want to worry about food safety. - How can I make the cookies last longer? Store them in an airtight container away from moisture to keep them fresh. - Can I freeze the cookies? Yes, you can freeze undecorated cookies, and when you're ready to serve them, let them thaw at room temperature. Personal Note Decorated cookies are not just a simple snack; they become a meaningful gift that conveys love and care. I encourage you to get involved in the decorating process, add your own ideas, and create memories with your loved ones. These cookies can become a tradition in your family, and each variation can be an opportunity to explore new flavors and techniques. Starting this culinary adventure can be a wonderful way to spend quality time in the kitchen. Each cookie becomes a little masterpiece, and the final result will bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. So, gather your ingredients and enjoy every step of the process!

Tender cookies

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