Cookies buns

Cookies "Painici" – The Delight That Will Win You Over

When it comes to cookies, each recipe has its own story, and "Painici" are truly special. Their name comes from a simple note in my recipe notebook, where they were only mentioned as "cookies". These delicious puffed cookies are easy to prepare and have a soft texture, with a delightful aroma of vanilla and lemon. They are perfect to be served alongside a cup of tea or coffee, but can also be enjoyed as a quick snack during the day.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 15-20 minutes
Total time: 30-35 minutes
Servings: 20-25 cookies

Ingredients:

- 1 cup yogurt (preferably natural, unsweetened)
- 1 cup sugar
- 3 eggs
- 3 packets of ammonia (quenched with vinegar or lemon juice)
- Flour (as needed, about 3-4 cups, depending on the humidity of the ingredients)
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- Grated zest of one lemon
- A drop of vanilla essence (optional)

Preparation:

1. Preparing the dough: In a large bowl, add the yogurt and sugar. Use a mixer to combine them well until you get a smooth mixture. This step is essential as the yogurt will give the cookies a soft and moist texture.

2. Add the eggs: Incorporate the eggs one by one, mixing vigorously after each addition. This will help aerate the dough and contribute to the rise of the cookies during baking.

3. Ammonia: Quench the ammonia with vinegar or lemon juice and add it to the mixture. Ammonia is a leavening agent that will give the cookies a fluffy texture and help them rise beautifully in the oven.

4. Flavoring: Add the vanilla sugar and grated lemon zest. These ingredients not only enhance the flavor but also add a fresh note to your cookies.

5. Flour: Start adding flour gradually, mixing constantly. This is the moment when you need to be careful not to thicken the dough too much. You should achieve a slightly sticky consistency that pulls away from the sides of the bowl. If you add too much flour, the cookies will lose their fluffy texture.

6. Resting the dough: Let the dough rest for 15-20 minutes. This step is important as it allows the ingredients to combine well and the flavors to develop.

7. Shaping the cookies: Using damp hands or a scoop, form balls from the dough. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving enough space between them as they will spread while baking. Use the palm of your hand to gently flatten them.

8. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Bake the cookies for 15-20 minutes, or until they turn golden and fluffy. You will know they are ready when the edges become slightly browned.

9. Cooling: After removing them from the oven, let them cool on a rack. These cookies are delicious warm, but become even better after they cool completely.

Useful tips:

- If you want an even more intense flavor, you can add a few drops of almond or orange essence.
- These cookies can be dusted with powdered sugar after cooling for a more festive look.
- Instead of lemon zest, you can use orange zest for a different flavor.
- "Painici" cookies keep well in an airtight container for a few days, keeping them fresh and delicious.

Nutritional benefits:
These cookies are a good source of protein due to the eggs and yogurt, and yogurt also provides beneficial probiotics for the digestive system. Additionally, the lemon zest adds vitamin C, contributing to a healthy immune system.

Calories:
Each cookie has approximately 80-100 calories, depending on their size and the exact ingredients used.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use Greek yogurt?
Yes, you can use Greek yogurt, but you may need to add a bit of water to achieve the right consistency.

2. Can I replace the eggs?
You can use 1/4 cup of applesauce or a ripe banana for each egg, although the texture will be slightly different.

3. How can I make these cookies less sweet?
Reduce the amount of sugar by 1/4 cup or use a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup.

Now that you have all the necessary details, it’s time to put on your apron and enjoy this simple and quick "Painici" cookie recipe. A culinary treat awaits you, and the result will surely please everyone! Enjoy!