Cookies in the snow

Snow Cookies – a delicious and easy-to-make dessert, perfect for moments when you want to treat yourself to something sweet. These fluffy cookies, covered with a white snow of powdered sugar, are ideal to be served alongside a cup of tea or coffee. The total preparation time is about 45 minutes, and the recipe is sufficient for 20 servings.

Ingredients:

- 250 ml milk
- 300 g flour
- 3 eggs
- 50 g quality cocoa powder
- 100 g sugar
- 1 packet vanilla sugar
- 1 packet baking powder
- 100 g melted butter (plus extra for greasing)
- Powdered sugar for decoration

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Heating the milk: Start by warming the milk in a small saucepan until it becomes lukewarm. It is important that the milk is not hot, as this could affect the rising process of the dough.

2. Preparing the dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour, cocoa, sugar, vanilla sugar, and baking powder. Mix the dry ingredients well with a spatula or whisk to ensure there are no lumps.

3. Adding the eggs: Make a well in the center of the dry ingredient mixture and add the eggs, followed by the lukewarm milk and melted butter. Mix everything with a mixer on low speed until you achieve a smooth dough. Do not mix too much, just until the ingredients are combined.

4. Forming the cookies: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a baking tray with butter or line it with parchment paper. Using a spoon or an ice cream scoop, form balls of dough and place them on the tray, leaving space between them, as they will expand while baking.

5. Baking: Place the tray in the oven and let the cookies bake for 15-20 minutes, or until they are firm to the touch. A good idea is to check them after 15 minutes, as each oven may have temperature variations.

6. Cooling and decorating: Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes in the tray, then transfer them to a rack to cool completely. After they have cooled, generously sprinkle powdered sugar on top to give them a 'snowy' appearance.

Serving suggestions: These snow cookies are delicious on their own, but you can enhance them with a chocolate sauce or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. You can also add some chopped nuts or hazelnuts to the dough for extra texture and flavor.

Possible variations: Instead of cocoa, you can experiment with carob powder for a healthier version. You can also add flavors like cinnamon or rum essence to diversify the taste.

Practical tips: Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature to achieve a uniform dough. Use high-quality cocoa for a richer flavor. If you want a more sophisticated look, you can glaze the cookies with melted chocolate after they have cooled.

Enjoy your snow cookies, a simple and quick recipe that will bring a smile to any sweet tooth.