Christmas Tree Cookies
Every year, during the holidays, the magic of Christmas invites us to spend special moments with our loved ones, and nothing brings more joy into our homes than the delicious aroma of freshly baked cookies. Today, I will share with you the recipe for these Christmas tree cookies, which are perfect to enjoy alongside a warm cup of tea or a glass of milk. Although the recipe was discovered in a moment full of nostalgia, each bite will take you back to your childhood when the holidays were filled with treats made with love.
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Resting time: 1 hour
Baking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 50 minutes
Number of servings: approximately 30 cookies
Ingredients:
- 1 package of margarine (250 g), left at room temperature
- 1 cup of lard (approximately 200 g), left at room temperature
- 1 cup of borscht (approximately 240 ml)
- 1 cube of fresh yeast (25 g)
- 2 packets of vanilla sugar
- Powdered sugar (for decoration)
- Flour (as needed, approximately 500 g)
Preparation of Christmas tree cookies:
Step 1: Activating the yeast
Start by crumbling the cube of yeast into a small bowl, adding the vanilla sugar. Then, add the borscht and mix well. The borscht, with its delicate acidity, will help activate the yeast, giving the cookies a fluffy and tender texture.
Step 2: Preparing the dough
In a large bowl, sift the flour, creating a well in the center. Here, you will add the activated yeast mixture, margarine, and lard. Use your hands to combine the ingredients, kneading gently until you obtain an elastic and homogeneous dough. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour.
Step 3: Resting the dough
After kneading the dough, cover it with a clean towel and let it rest in the fridge for about an hour. This step is essential as it allows the gluten to relax, making the cookies more tender.
Step 4: Shaping the cookies
After the dough has rested in the fridge, remove it and roll it out with a rolling pin on a lightly floured surface until it reaches a thickness of about 5 mm. Using a Christmas tree-shaped cutter or any desired shape, cut out the cookies. Place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, leaving space between them to bake evenly.
Step 5: Baking
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Bake the cookies for 20 minutes or until they are slightly golden on the bottom edges. It is important not to overbake them to keep them tender.
Step 6: Decorating
Once the cookies have cooled, dust them with powdered sugar to give them a festive look. This detail not only enhances their appearance but also adds a sweet aromatic note.
Practical tips:
- You can add cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough to intensify the flavor.
- If you want a healthier version, try replacing some of the margarine with applesauce.
- These cookies are more tender if made 2-3 days before consumption, as they will soften and the flavors will intensify.
Nutritional benefits:
These cookies provide a source of energy, being rich in healthy fats from lard and margarine. Additionally, the borscht adds a supply of probiotics, essential for healthy digestion. However, it is important to consume them in moderation, considering the sugar and fat content.
Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use other fats instead of margarine and lard?
Yes, you can use butter instead of margarine, but it is recommended to check the quantity, as butter has a higher water content than margarine.
2. What other shapes can I use for the cookies?
Any cookie cutter will work, from stars, snowflakes, to hearts. Each shape will add a touch of creativity!
3. How can I keep the cookies fresh?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature to prevent them from drying out.
These Christmas tree cookies are not just a treat, but also a wonderful way to bring joy and warmth into the hearts of your loved ones. Serve them alongside hot chocolate or fragrant tea, and turn every moment into a celebration. Being a simple and quick recipe, these cookies will surely become a family favorite during the holidays. So, get your appetite moving and enjoy the magic of Christmas with every bite!
Every year, during the holidays, the magic of Christmas invites us to spend special moments with our loved ones, and nothing brings more joy into our homes than the delicious aroma of freshly baked cookies. Today, I will share with you the recipe for these Christmas tree cookies, which are perfect to enjoy alongside a warm cup of tea or a glass of milk. Although the recipe was discovered in a moment full of nostalgia, each bite will take you back to your childhood when the holidays were filled with treats made with love.
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Resting time: 1 hour
Baking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 50 minutes
Number of servings: approximately 30 cookies
Ingredients:
- 1 package of margarine (250 g), left at room temperature
- 1 cup of lard (approximately 200 g), left at room temperature
- 1 cup of borscht (approximately 240 ml)
- 1 cube of fresh yeast (25 g)
- 2 packets of vanilla sugar
- Powdered sugar (for decoration)
- Flour (as needed, approximately 500 g)
Preparation of Christmas tree cookies:
Step 1: Activating the yeast
Start by crumbling the cube of yeast into a small bowl, adding the vanilla sugar. Then, add the borscht and mix well. The borscht, with its delicate acidity, will help activate the yeast, giving the cookies a fluffy and tender texture.
Step 2: Preparing the dough
In a large bowl, sift the flour, creating a well in the center. Here, you will add the activated yeast mixture, margarine, and lard. Use your hands to combine the ingredients, kneading gently until you obtain an elastic and homogeneous dough. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour.
Step 3: Resting the dough
After kneading the dough, cover it with a clean towel and let it rest in the fridge for about an hour. This step is essential as it allows the gluten to relax, making the cookies more tender.
Step 4: Shaping the cookies
After the dough has rested in the fridge, remove it and roll it out with a rolling pin on a lightly floured surface until it reaches a thickness of about 5 mm. Using a Christmas tree-shaped cutter or any desired shape, cut out the cookies. Place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, leaving space between them to bake evenly.
Step 5: Baking
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Bake the cookies for 20 minutes or until they are slightly golden on the bottom edges. It is important not to overbake them to keep them tender.
Step 6: Decorating
Once the cookies have cooled, dust them with powdered sugar to give them a festive look. This detail not only enhances their appearance but also adds a sweet aromatic note.
Practical tips:
- You can add cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough to intensify the flavor.
- If you want a healthier version, try replacing some of the margarine with applesauce.
- These cookies are more tender if made 2-3 days before consumption, as they will soften and the flavors will intensify.
Nutritional benefits:
These cookies provide a source of energy, being rich in healthy fats from lard and margarine. Additionally, the borscht adds a supply of probiotics, essential for healthy digestion. However, it is important to consume them in moderation, considering the sugar and fat content.
Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use other fats instead of margarine and lard?
Yes, you can use butter instead of margarine, but it is recommended to check the quantity, as butter has a higher water content than margarine.
2. What other shapes can I use for the cookies?
Any cookie cutter will work, from stars, snowflakes, to hearts. Each shape will add a touch of creativity!
3. How can I keep the cookies fresh?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature to prevent them from drying out.
These Christmas tree cookies are not just a treat, but also a wonderful way to bring joy and warmth into the hearts of your loved ones. Serve them alongside hot chocolate or fragrant tea, and turn every moment into a celebration. Being a simple and quick recipe, these cookies will surely become a family favorite during the holidays. So, get your appetite moving and enjoy the magic of Christmas with every bite!