Arabic cookies

Arabic Cookies

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 10-12 minutes
Total time: 25-27 minutes
Number of servings: 20-25 cookies

Arabic cookies are a delicacy that combines soft textures with the enticing aromas of vanilla. These cookies are often served on special occasions, but they are so easy to make that you can enjoy them every day. Over time, these cookies have been adapted and reinterpreted in various cultures, but our simple and quick recipe will bring a touch of authenticity to your kitchen.

Ingredients needed for the dough:
- 1 whole egg
- 1 yolk
- 1 tablespoon of water
- 120 ml oil (choose sunflower or olive oil for a subtler taste)
- 120 g sugar (you can use brown sugar for a more caramelized flavor)
- 0.5 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 drop of vanilla extract or a pinch of powdered vanilla
- 300 g flour

Preparation of Arabic cookies

Step 1: Prepare your ingredients
Start by gathering all the necessary ingredients. Make sure the egg and yolk are at room temperature, as this will help achieve a better texture for the dough. Preheat the oven to 170-180 degrees Celsius and prepare a baking tray lined with parchment paper.

Step 2: Beat the eggs
In a medium bowl, add the whole egg, yolk, tablespoon of water, and sugar. Use an electric mixer to beat the ingredients at medium speed until you achieve a smooth and fluffy mixture. Here, you can feel the sugar starting to dissolve and the eggs becoming airy.

Step 3: Add the oil
Continuing to mix, gradually add the oil. It is important to add the oil while the mixer is running to prevent the ingredients from separating. The oil will give the cookies a soft texture and delicious flavor.

Step 4: Incorporate the flour and baking powder
In another bowl, mix the flour with the baking powder. Gradually add this mixture to the egg mixture, mixing at low speed. The dough should be soft but not liquid. A useful technique is to add the flour gradually to control the consistency of the dough.

Step 5: Shaping the cookies
Once you have obtained the dough, grease your hands with a little oil to prevent sticking. Take a portion of dough and shape it into balls about 3 cm in diameter. Place them on the prepared tray, leaving enough space between them, as the cookies will expand during baking.

Step 6: Baking
Put the tray in the preheated oven and bake the cookies for about 6-7 minutes. The key is to take them out of the oven before they become browned. Their color should remain pale, and the surface may show small cracks, indicating they are ready. You can check the cookies by gently pressing them – if they spring back to their original shape, they are ready to be removed.

Step 7: Cooling
After taking them out of the oven, let the cookies rest on the tray for 3 minutes. Then, carefully transfer them to a cooling rack. This step is essential to allow the cookies to set properly.

Practical tips:
- If you want an even more intense flavor, you can add lemon or orange zest to the dough.
- You can replace the sugar in the recipe with honey or maple syrup for a more natural version, but be careful with proportions, as these are wetter.
- These cookies can be stored well in an airtight container for a few days, but they are best fresh.

Nutritional benefits:
Arabic cookies contain simple ingredients, and sugar can easily be replaced with healthier alternatives. They provide a quick source of energy due to the carbohydrates from flour and sugar. Additionally, the oil used brings healthy fats necessary for a balanced diet. A serving of 5 cookies contains approximately 200-250 calories, depending on the ingredients used.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, you can replace white flour with whole wheat flour, but the dough may require a bit more oil or water to achieve the desired consistency.
2. How can I add chocolate?
For a delicious variation, you can add chocolate chips or nuts to the dough before forming the balls.
3. Can the cookies be frozen?
Yes, the cookies can be frozen before baking, and when you want to prepare them, simply let them thaw and then bake them according to the instructions.

Arabic cookies are perfect to be served alongside a cup of tea or coffee, but they can also be enjoyed with a glass of milk or a refreshing lemonade. Try this simple and quick recipe and bring a touch of magic to every day! The delight of these cookies will make you return to this recipe, and the aroma of vanilla will turn them into your favorites. Enjoy!