Assorted Cookies

Assorted Cookies – a Quick and Delicious Dessert

Cookie desserts are favorites for many of us, thanks to their versatility and incredible taste. These assorted cookies I propose are not only simple to make but also very tasty, with the possibility of personalizing them according to your preferences. The recipe below is inspired by a classic recipe but with a personal touch, adapted with ingredients I have on hand. Whether you prepare them for a party or simply to indulge yourself, these cookies will bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones.

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

Ingredients:

- 125 grams of soft butter (at room temperature)
- 80 grams of brown sugar (preferably for a richer flavor)
- 1 pinch of salt
- 1 large egg
- 220 grams of flour
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- 100 grams of assorted ingredients (raisins, candied fruits, almond flakes, chocolate or other goodies)

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Make sure you have all the ingredients at room temperature. This is essential for achieving a smooth and well-bound dough. The soft butter will mix more easily with the sugar, and the egg will incorporate better.

2. Mixing the butter and sugar: In a large bowl, add the soft butter and brown sugar. Use an electric mixer or a wooden spatula to mix these ingredients until you achieve a creamy and fluffy mixture. This step is important, as the air incorporated will make the cookies fluffier.

3. Adding the egg: Add the egg to the butter and sugar mixture, continuing to mix until fully combined. You will notice the dough becoming shinier and more homogeneous.

4. Incorporating the dry ingredients: In another bowl, sift the flour along with the baking powder and salt. This step will help avoid lumps in the dough. Then, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing with a spatula or the mixer on low speed until you achieve an even dough.

5. Personalizing the cookies: Now comes the most fun part! You can add raisins, candied fruits, almond flakes, or any other preferred ingredient. If you want to create a mix of flavors, I recommend adding some pieces of white or dark chocolate for a decadent touch. Gently mix to evenly distribute the assorted ingredients.

6. Chilling the dough: Once you have the dough, cover it with plastic wrap and let it chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. This step will make the dough easier to shape and prevent excessive spreading of the cookies during baking.

7. Shaping the cookies: Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. On a baking tray lined with parchment paper, form small balls of dough (about 2-3 cm in diameter) and gently flatten them with your palm. Make sure to leave space between them, as they will spread during baking.

8. Baking: Place the tray in the preheated oven and let the cookies bake for 10-12 minutes, until they turn golden at the edges but are still soft in the middle. It is important not to overbake them, as they will harden as they cool.

9. Cooling the cookies: After taking them out of the oven, let them sit on the tray for 5 minutes to cool slightly. This step is important to avoid breaking the cookies. Then, transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely.

10. Serving and storing: These assorted cookies can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature. To keep them fresh, store them in an airtight container, where they will maintain their texture for several days. You can also beautifully package them and give them as gifts to friends and family.

Useful tips:

- If you prefer a crunchier texture, you can add 10 grams more sugar.
- You can also experiment with different types of flour (for example, whole wheat or almond flour) to add extra nutrients and vary the taste.
- Instead of candied fruits, you can use chopped nuts or seeds for a healthier option.

Calories and nutritional benefits:

These assorted cookies are a good source of energy, providing carbohydrates and healthy fats from butter and nuts. Depending on the chosen ingredients, you can also add vitamins and minerals. For example, raisins are a good source of iron, while almonds contain beneficial unsaturated fats.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
Yes, but I recommend omitting the salt from the recipe, as salted butter will add excess salt.

2. Can I replace the egg with a vegan ingredient?
Yes, you can use a ripe banana or a mixture of chia seeds with water (1 tablespoon of chia seeds with 3 tablespoons of water for one egg).

3. What is the best combination of ingredients for the filling?
It depends on your preferences! A popular combination is raisins with dark chocolate or almond flakes with candied fruits.

These assorted cookies are perfect for any occasion, and their versatility will encourage you to experiment with different combinations of ingredients. Try this simple recipe and enjoy every delicious bite!