Cheese biscuits

Cheese cookies - a delicacy that combines the sweet aroma of chocolate with the creamy texture of cheese, perfect for any occasion, from savory breakfasts to festive desserts. These cookies are easy to prepare and will surely become a favorite choice among loved ones. Let's discover together how we can make them!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 20-25 cookies

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 130 g margarine (at room temperature)
- 1 egg
- 200 g powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons cocoa
- 1 essence of rum
- 1/2 packet of baking powder
- Approximately 400 g flour

For the cheese cream:
- 100 g cheese (preferably cottage cheese or mascarpone)
- 2 tablespoons margarine (at room temperature)
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
- 2 packets of vanilla sugar

For decoration:
- Chocolate (for glazing the cookies)

Preparation instructions

Step 1: Prepare the dough
1. In a large bowl, combine the soft margarine with the egg, powdered sugar, and cocoa. Use a mixer or spatula to mix well until you get a homogeneous composition.
2. Add the baking powder and rum essence, continuing to mix carefully.
3. Gradually start incorporating the flour, a little at a time, mixing constantly until the dough becomes soft and easy to shape.
4. If you feel that the dough is too sticky, you can add a little more flour, but be careful not to make it too hard.
5. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it rest in the refrigerator for 15 minutes. This step will help the dough to firm up slightly, making it easier to shape.

Step 2: Prepare the cheese cream
1. In a separate bowl, add the cheese, powdered sugar, and margarine. Mix everything until you get a creamy and homogeneous composition.
2. Add the vanilla sugar and mix again. Make sure there are no lumps, and the cream becomes easy to shape.

Step 3: Form the cookies
1. Take the dough out of the refrigerator and break off small pieces (about the size of a walnut).
2. Shape each piece into a ball and then gently flatten it with your palm.
3. In the center of each shape, add a small ball of cheese cream.
4. Pinch the edges of the dough and wrap the cream well inside, thus forming a "basket."
5. Place the cookies on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, leaving space between them to allow expansion during baking.

Step 4: Bake
1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (or 160°C if using a fan).
2. Bake the cookies for about 20 minutes, or until they become slightly firm on the edges but a little soft in the middle.
3. Let them cool on a cooling rack. This step is essential to avoid breaking the cookies, which are still fragile when hot.

Step 5: Decorate
1. Once the cookies have cooled completely, melt the chocolate in a double boiler or microwave, being careful not to burn it.
2. Use a spoon or brush to coat each cookie with melted chocolate. You can let the chocolate harden at room temperature or put it in the fridge to speed up the process.

Chef's tip
For an extra flavor, you can add a few drops of vanilla essence or grated orange peel to the cheese cream. Also, if you want a contrast of textures, you can sprinkle some chopped nuts or coconut flakes on the cookies before letting the chocolate harden.

Nutritional values
These cheese cookies are a lower-calorie choice compared to other traditional desserts, having about 120 calories per cookie, depending on their size. The cheese provides a protein boost, and the chocolate can offer antioxidants, but it's best to enjoy these sweets in moderation.

Frequently asked questions
- Can I use butter instead of margarine?
Of course! Butter will add a rich flavor and a more pleasant taste, but make sure it is at room temperature to incorporate well into the dough.

- What type of cheese is best for this recipe?
Cottage cheese or mascarpone are the most suitable due to the creamy texture they provide. You can also experiment with goat cheese for a more intense note.

- How can I customize the cookies?
You can add chopped nuts, raisins, or a pinch of cinnamon to the dough for a different taste. You can also glaze the cookies with white chocolate or a mix of dark and white chocolate for a pleasant visual effect.

Serving suggestions
These cheese cookies pair perfectly with a cup of coffee or tea, but you can also enjoy them with a glass of cold milk. For a special occasion, you can serve them alongside vanilla ice cream or with a fruit sauce for a delicious contrast.

In short, cheese cookies are not only easy to prepare but also a versatile choice for any time of the day. Whether you enjoy them at breakfast or as a dessert, they will surely bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones. Happy cooking!