Assorted Cookies

Delicious Cookies for the Winter Holidays

Whether you're preparing for a gathering with friends, a family event, or simply want to indulge in a delicious dessert, this cookie recipe is perfect for you. The enticing flavors of vanilla and lemon, combined with a soft and slightly crunchy texture, make these cookies an irresistible choice. Plus, they are easy to customize and can become the perfect holiday gift, especially when decorated with plenty of imagination.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 35 minutes
Number of servings: Approximately 40 cookies

Essential ingredients:
- 350 g flour + 100-150 g for kneading
- 1 whole egg
- 1 yolk
- Grated zest of half a lemon
- 200 g powdered sugar
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- 1 essence of vanilla
- 180 g butter (at room temperature)

Ingredients for decoration:
- Brown sugar
- 1 egg white
- 100 g powdered sugar (for icing)
- Food coloring (optional)
- A few drops of lemon juice

Preparation:

1. Preparing the butter and sugar: Start by placing the soft butter in a large bowl. Add the powdered sugar and knead the ingredients well until you get a fluffy foam. This is the key step to ensure a slightly airy texture. The butter should be at room temperature so that it easily integrates with the sugar.

2. Adding the egg and flavors: Add the whole egg and yolk to the butter mixture. Continue mixing until everything is homogeneous. Now is the time to add the vanilla sugar and essence, which will give your cookies a delicious aroma. The grated lemon zest will add a fresh and vibrant note, perfect for the cold season.

3. Incorporating the flour: Start gradually adding the flour, mixing with a spatula until a soft dough forms. If necessary, use the additional flour (100-150 g) to help with kneading. The dough should be slightly sticky but come off your hands easily. The better you knead it, the fluffier the cookies will become.

4. Chilling the dough: Once the dough is well combined, form a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and let it chill in the refrigerator for about an hour. This step is essential to allow the flavors to develop and to make the dough easier to shape.

5. Shaping the cookies: After the dough has chilled, sprinkle flour on the work surface and roll it out to a thickness of about 0.5 cm. Use cookie cutters to cut out various shapes. I recommend rolling some cookies in brown sugar before baking for a caramelized taste and an inviting appearance.

6. Baking: Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving a little space between them. Preheat the oven to 180°C and bake the cookies for about 15 minutes, or until they are slightly golden around the edges. It’s important not to leave them too long to maintain the soft texture inside.

7. Decorating: If you wish to decorate them, you can prepare a glaze from the beaten egg white with powdered sugar, food coloring, and lemon juice. Use a piping bag or a spoon to apply the glaze to the cookies after they have completely cooled.

8. Serving and storing: These cookies are delicious both plain and decorated. You can serve them alongside a cup of hot tea or hot chocolate for a moment of indulgence. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature, and they will stay fresh for a few days.

Suggestions for variations:
- Replace some of the flour with cocoa to make chocolate cookies.
- Add chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the dough for a crunchy texture.
- Experiment with flavors like cinnamon or cardamom to add an interesting twist.

Nutritional benefits: These cookies contain butter, which is a source of healthy fats, but also sugar, so it’s best to enjoy them in moderation. Paired with a warm drink, they can provide a comforting experience, perfect for cold winter days.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use reduced-fat butter instead of regular butter? Theoretically, yes, but the taste and texture will be affected.
- Can I store the cookies in the freezer? Yes, you can freeze the cookies before baking. After shaping them, you can place them in the freezer and bake them directly from the freezer, adding a few minutes to the baking time.

These cookies are not only a simple recipe but also a wonderful way to express your creativity in the kitchen. So, put on your cooking clothes and let the winter aromas inspire you! Don’t forget to share the final result with your loved ones, as treats are most enjoyable when shared. Enjoy!