Butter cookies for babies

Butter Cookies for Babies: A Delightful and Healthy Treat

When it comes to little ones, every snack counts. These butter cookies are not only adorable but also healthy, serving as an excellent alternative to store-bought products that often contain additives and artificial ingredients. Plus, they are perfect for stroller walks or for pampering moments at home. Let’s embark together on this simple and delicious recipe that will bring smiles to your little one’s face!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 12-15 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Number of servings: Approximately 20 cookies

Necessary ingredients
- 100 g of soft butter (at room temperature)
- 80 g of powdered sugar
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- 1 egg yolk
- 180 g of flour

Preparation steps

1. Preparing the ingredients: Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature. Soft butter will allow for even mixing, and the cookies will have a perfect texture. If you wish, you can use high-quality, organic butter for an even richer taste.

2. Mixing the butter and sugar: In a large bowl, add the soft butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla sugar. Using a mixer, beat the ingredients on medium speed until the mixture becomes fluffy and light in color. This step is essential for incorporating air into the dough, which will help the cookies become a bit fluffier.

3. Adding the egg: Add the egg yolk and continue mixing until well blended. The yolk will give the cookies a richer texture and a delicious flavor.

4. Incorporating the flour: Reduce the mixer speed and add half of the flour. Gently mix to avoid flour splatter. Once incorporated, turn off the mixer and add the remaining flour. This is the moment when you will use your hands to gently knead the dough until it becomes smooth. It’s normal for the dough to be a bit sticky, but do not add too much flour.

5. Resting the dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it chill in the refrigerator for one hour. This step is important to allow the gluten to relax, preventing the cookies from deforming during baking.

6. Shaping the cookies: After the resting time has passed, take the dough out of the refrigerator and roll it out on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of about 3-4 mm. Use cookie cutters to cut out various shapes. I used a Hello Kitty stamp cutter, perfect for little princesses!

7. Baking the cookies: Place the cookies on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and put them in a preheated oven at 180°C. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges turn slightly golden. Every oven is different, so check the cookies halfway through the baking time to prevent burning.

8. Decorating (optional): If you want to add a splash of color and creativity, melt a square of dark or white chocolate. Using a toothpick, paint the eyes and whiskers on your adorable cookies. You can add food coloring to create cute noses or bows. However, keep in mind that at this age, it is best to avoid chemical additives.

9. Indulging: Let the cookies cool slightly, then enjoy them with a glass of milk or fruit tea. They are ideal for little afternoon snacks!

Helpful tips
- If you want to vary the recipe, you can add a bit of almond or orange extract for a more intense flavor.
- This dough can be frozen, so if you have cookies that you won’t consume immediately, you can keep them in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw them at room temperature before baking.
- The cookies keep well in an airtight container for up to a week.

Nutritional benefits
These butter cookies are a source of energy due to the healthy fats from the butter and carbohydrates from the flour. Additionally, powdered sugar is easier for little ones to digest compared to granulated sugar.

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use reduced-fat butter instead of regular butter? – It is recommended to use regular butter to achieve a better texture and richer flavor.
2. Can I substitute white flour with whole wheat flour? – Yes, but keep in mind that the cookies will have a denser texture and the taste will be different.
3. Is this recipe suitable for allergies? – Make sure to check the ingredients carefully, especially regarding the egg and flour.

Butter cookies for babies are not only an excellent choice for your little ones but also a wonderful way to spend time together in the kitchen. So put on your apron, gather the ingredients, and let your creativity shine! You might discover a family recipe that will be passed down from generation to generation. Happy cooking!