Christmas Cookies

Delicious Christmas Cookies: A traditional recipe that brings joy and warmth to every home

Total time: 2 hours
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 20-30 minutes
Number of servings: Approximately 30 cookies

Cookies are an indispensable tradition on Christmas tables, and this simple and aromatic recipe will turn your holidays into an unforgettable experience. Before we begin, let’s enjoy a little history of these cookies. Their connection to Christmas is deep, often associated with family moments, carols, and the joy of giving. Each cookie becomes a small work of art, and their inviting aroma will fill the house with a special warmth.

Ingredients:

- 250 g margarine (or butter for a richer taste)
- 200 g powdered sugar
- 1 whole egg
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 packet of Dr. Oetker ammonia (dissolved in a little vinegar)
- 1/2 kg flour
- Flavors of choice: orange zest, vanilla, cinnamon
- Strawberry jam or other fruit for filling
- 150 g chocolate (white or dark) for glazing
- 3 tablespoons of oil (for glazing)
- Powdered sugar for decoration
- Food coloring (optional)

Preparation:

Step 1: Preparing the ingredients
Start by gathering all the ingredients. Make sure the margarine is at room temperature for easier mixing. You can use butter for a more intense flavor, but margarine is milder.

Step 2: Making the dough
In a large bowl, cream the margarine with the powdered sugar until you get a fluffy and light mixture. This step is essential for incorporating air, which will make the cookies fluffy. Add the whole egg and the yolk, mixing well after each addition.

Step 3: Activating the ammonia
Dissolve the ammonia in a little vinegar (this will help the cookies rise) and add it to the mixture. The flavors are the magic part of your recipe – add orange zest, vanilla, or cinnamon to taste.

Step 4: Forming the dough
Sifting the flour is an important step to avoid lumps. Gradually add the flour to your mixture, kneading well until it becomes a uniform dough. In the end, you should have a soft dough that easily comes off your hands.

Step 5: Resting the dough
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it rest in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. This will allow the gluten to relax, making it easier to roll out later.

Step 6: Shaping the cookies
After the dough has chilled, sprinkle a little flour on the work surface and roll out the dough to about 5 mm thick. Use special shapes to cut out your favorite cookies. Arrange them on trays lined with parchment paper or dusted with flour to prevent sticking.

Step 7: Baking
Preheat the oven to 180°C (moderate heat). Bake the cookies for 10-15 minutes or until they turn slightly golden. Be careful not to leave them too long, as they can become dry.

Step 8: Filling
Once completely cooled, start filling them. Choose your favorite jam (strawberry, sour cherry, or peach) and place a teaspoon on one cookie, then cover it with another cookie, forming a delicious sandwich.

Step 9: Glazing
To add a touch of elegance, melt the chocolate and oil in a bowl using the bain-marie method. Dip each cookie in the melted chocolate, allowing them to drain slightly. You can also use decorating pens to decorate the cookies, giving them a personal touch.

Step 10: Cooling and serving
Let the glazed cookies cool on a cooling rack. Although you can enjoy the cookies immediately, they become more delicious after 1-2 days when the flavors meld perfectly.

Serving suggestions:
Your cookies are ideal alongside a cup of hot tea or coffee. You can also give them as holiday gifts, beautifully wrapped in decorative boxes.

Useful tips:
1. Use quality ingredients for the best results.
2. You can experiment with different flavors, such as almond or lemon, to customize the recipe.
3. If you want a gluten-free version, replace the flour with a gluten-free alternative, being careful to adjust the amount based on the type of flour used.

Calories and nutritional benefits:
The cookies contain approximately 50-60 calories each, depending on the ingredients used. They provide a quick source of energy due to the sugar and are a sweet option that can be enjoyed in moderation within a balanced diet.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use oil instead of margarine?
Yes, but the texture will be different. Oil will not provide the same consistency as margarine or butter.

2. How can I keep the cookies fresh?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can be frozen to keep them longer.

3. Can I use other types of jam?
Absolutely! Any preferred jam will work, and combinations can add a touch of creativity.

Happy holidays and happy cooking! Your Christmas cookies will surely bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones.