To prepare these delicious fluffy cookies, start by thoroughly creaming the chosen fat, whether it is butter or a high-quality margarine, until it becomes fluffy and creamy. In this first step, it is important to use a wooden spoon or a mixer to achieve an airy texture. Then, gradually add the sugar, egg yolks, and a pinch of salt, continuing to mix until the composition becomes uniform and homogeneous.
After obtaining a creamy mass, it's time to integrate the dough that was prepared earlier. This consists of yeast dissolved in a little warm milk, along with a teaspoon of sugar, which helps activate the yeast. Make sure the milk is not too hot, so as not to destroy the yeast. Incorporate the yeast mixture into the fat composition, then gradually add the flour, mixing constantly. The more you knead the dough, the more it will start to come away from your hands and the bowl, forming air bubbles, a sign that it is ready.
Once the dough has been well kneaded, place it in a clean bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and set it in a warm place, away from drafts, to rise. Let it proof until it doubles in volume, which can take between 30 and 60 minutes, depending on the ambient temperature.
Meanwhile, preheat the oven to a moderate temperature. Once the dough has risen, place it on a lightly floured surface and portion it into pieces the size of a walnut. Each piece can be shaped into a roll or ball, depending on your preference. Arrange them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, making sure to leave enough space between them to allow for rising during baking.
To add a touch of refinement, prepare a meringue from the well-beaten egg whites along with the remaining sugar and vanilla sugar. This meringue will give the cookies a light texture and a sweet, fragrant taste. Spread the meringue evenly over each ball of dough and sprinkle ground walnuts or crushed almonds on top for added flavor.
Once prepared, place the tray in the preheated oven, then reduce the temperature to low. Let the cookies bake slowly for about 1 hour and 25 minutes, or until the meringue becomes golden and crispy. When ready, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly before enjoying. These cookies are ideal for serving at special occasions as well as a delicious dessert every day.
After obtaining a creamy mass, it's time to integrate the dough that was prepared earlier. This consists of yeast dissolved in a little warm milk, along with a teaspoon of sugar, which helps activate the yeast. Make sure the milk is not too hot, so as not to destroy the yeast. Incorporate the yeast mixture into the fat composition, then gradually add the flour, mixing constantly. The more you knead the dough, the more it will start to come away from your hands and the bowl, forming air bubbles, a sign that it is ready.
Once the dough has been well kneaded, place it in a clean bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and set it in a warm place, away from drafts, to rise. Let it proof until it doubles in volume, which can take between 30 and 60 minutes, depending on the ambient temperature.
Meanwhile, preheat the oven to a moderate temperature. Once the dough has risen, place it on a lightly floured surface and portion it into pieces the size of a walnut. Each piece can be shaped into a roll or ball, depending on your preference. Arrange them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, making sure to leave enough space between them to allow for rising during baking.
To add a touch of refinement, prepare a meringue from the well-beaten egg whites along with the remaining sugar and vanilla sugar. This meringue will give the cookies a light texture and a sweet, fragrant taste. Spread the meringue evenly over each ball of dough and sprinkle ground walnuts or crushed almonds on top for added flavor.
Once prepared, place the tray in the preheated oven, then reduce the temperature to low. Let the cookies bake slowly for about 1 hour and 25 minutes, or until the meringue becomes golden and crispy. When ready, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly before enjoying. These cookies are ideal for serving at special occasions as well as a delicious dessert every day.
Ingredients
DOUGH: -100 g butter or 70 g lard (I used lard) -2-3 tablespoons sugar -20 g fresh yeast -3 egg yolks -1 cup milk (approximately 250 ml) -flour as needed (I used 500 g) -a pinch of salt FOR THE TOP: -3 egg whites (I used 6 egg whites for a thicker layer of meringue) -3 tablespoons powdered sugar (I used 6) -a few ground walnuts or crushed almonds -1-2 packets of vanilla sugar