Cookies "Gandacei"

Cookies "Little Bugs" – A crunchy and sweet delight, perfect for indulgent moments

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes
Number of servings: Approximately 30 cookies

When it comes to sweets, few recipes can match the charm and unmistakable taste of "Little Bugs" cookies. These delights are not just a treat for the taste buds but also a pleasant childhood memory for many of us. Combining a crunchy texture with the sweet flavor of plum jam and a cocoa glaze, these cookies quickly become everyone’s favorite.

Necessary ingredients

- 500 g margarine (or butter for a richer taste)
- 300 g powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons ammonia (for a fluffy texture)
- Rum essence (about 1 teaspoon, for an inviting aroma)
- 600-700 g flour (a little more or less, depending on the desired texture)
- 200 g plum jam (preferably homemade, for an authentic taste)
- 200 ml milk (or water, if you want a vegan option)
- 3 tablespoons sugar (for the glaze)
- 3 tablespoons cocoa (for a chocolaty note)
- Ground walnuts (for decoration)
- A plate with a peak (for shaping the cookies)

A brief story about the recipe

"Little Bugs" cookies are a traditional recipe, often prepared in families across generations. These cookies are inspired by the playful nature of little bugs, featuring a distinctive shape that brings smiles to the faces of children. Making them can become a delightful family activity, where each member can contribute to shaping and decorating the cookies.

Preparation steps

1. Preparing the ingredients: Make sure you have all the ingredients at hand. It is important for the margarine to be at room temperature to mix easily with the powdered sugar.

2. Beating the margarine: In a large bowl, place the margarine and powdered sugar. Use a mixer or a spatula to combine them well until you get a light and fluffy cream. This step is crucial to ensure a fine texture for the cookies.

3. Adding ammonia and rum essence: Quench the ammonia with a few drops of lemon juice (this will help the cookies become fluffy) and add it to the mixture along with the rum essence. Mix well to unify the flavors.

4. Incorporating the flour: Start adding the flour gradually. It is important not to add all the flour at once but to incorporate it gradually while mixing continuously. When the mixture becomes firm enough to pull away from the bowl's walls, it's time to stop adding flour.

5. Resting the dough: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough chill for about 1 hour. This will help achieve a finer texture and make it easier to shape the cookies.

6. Shaping the cookies: After the dough has chilled, take a piece of dough the size of a walnut. Roll it in your palm to form a stick. Then, gently press it obliquely with a fork to give it the characteristic shape of a little bug. Repeat this process until you use up all the dough.

7. Baking: Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving space between them. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for 20-25 minutes, or until they are lightly browned. Be careful not to leave them too long, as they will continue to bake after you take them out of the oven.

8. Preparing the glaze: In a small pot, bring the milk (or water) to a boil, add the sugar and cocoa. Mix well to avoid lumps. Once the mixture reaches a boil, remove it from the heat and add the rum essence. Let it cool slightly.

9. Assembling the cookies: After the cookies have completely cooled, spread some plum jam on one side and stick them together two by two. Then, dip the wider side into the cocoa glaze and immediately roll it in ground walnuts for an attractive look.

10. Storing: Keep the cookies in closed boxes to keep them soft and preserve their flavors.

Useful tips

- For a vegan option, you can replace margarine with vegetable margarine and milk with water.
- The plum jam can be replaced with any other preferred jam, such as apricot or raspberry jam, to vary the flavors.
- The texture of the cookies can be adjusted by adding a little more or less flour, depending on your preferences.

Delicious combinations

These cookies can be enjoyed with a cup of fruit tea or a fragrant coffee. They are also excellent as a dessert after a hearty meal or as a snack during the day.

Nutritional benefits

- Margarine: Contains essential fats, which are important for heart health.
- Plum jam: A good source of antioxidants and helps with digestion.
- Walnuts: Provide protein and healthy fats, beneficial for brain health.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I use butter instead of margarine? Yes, butter will give a richer taste to the cookies. Make sure it is at room temperature for easy mixing.
- What can I do with leftover cookies? If you have dry cookies, you can crush them and use them in various cakes or as a base for cheesecake.

"Little Bugs" cookies are more than just a simple dessert; they evoke memories, create moments of joy, and enrich family meals. So, I encourage you to try them and bring a piece of childhood into your kitchen! Enjoy!