Cookies with Smarties

Smarties Cookies - A Colorful Delight for Little Ones

It's a perfect day to bring a touch of magic into your kitchen! Smarties cookies are not only a simple recipe but also an opportunity to create sweet memories with little ones. These colorful treats will not only delight the eyes but also the taste buds, quickly becoming favorites among all children. Plus, making them is a fun activity you can share with the family.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 15-20 minutes
Total time: 35-40 minutes
Servings: 20 cookies

Ingredients

- 200 g flour
- 50-60 g sugar (you can adjust the amount to your liking)
- 1 packet of vanilla (approximately 8 g)
- A pinch of salt
- 125 g butter (at room temperature, cut into cubes)
- Mini-Smarties (approximately 100 g or as desired, depending on preferences)

A Bit of History

Smarties cookies are a modern and playful version of classic chocolate chip cookies. Their origins are lost in the mists of time, but there's no doubt they've captured the attention of little ones with their vibrant colors and unmistakable taste. Smarties, those little colorful candies, bring a splash of joy, turning cookies into not just a dessert but a small work of art.

Step by Step

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by gathering all the ingredients. Make sure the butter is at room temperature for easy incorporation into the dough. This will make your cookies extra tender and delicious.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, vanilla, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients is crucial to ensure an even distribution of flavors in the dough.

Step 3: Add the Butter
Add the cubed butter to the bowl with the dry ingredients. Use your fingers to knead the butter into the flour. Move quickly to avoid melting the butter until you get a compact dough, similar to wet sand. This classic technique helps keep the cookies fluffy.

Step 4: Incorporate the Smarties
Add the mini-Smarties to your dough and gently mix to ensure they are evenly integrated. These little colorful heroes are what make the recipe so special! You can also play with the proportions, adding more or fewer, depending on how "colorful" you want each cookie to be.

Step 5: Form the Cookies
Take a piece of dough the size of a walnut and form a ball. Then, gently flatten the ball and place the cookies on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Make sure to leave enough space between each cookie, as they will spread while baking.

Step 6: Bake
Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius. Once it reaches the desired temperature, place the tray with cookies in and let them bake for 15-20 minutes. You’ll know they are ready when the edges turn slightly golden but the center remains soft.

Step 7: Cool
After baking, let the cookies cool on a wire rack. This step is essential to prevent the cookies from becoming too moist. Although tempting, wait a few minutes before tasting them to avoid burning yourself!

Practical Tips

- Vegan Option: You can replace the butter with a vegan substitute, such as plant-based margarine or solidified coconut oil.
- Additions: If you want to add extra flavor, you can include a few drops of orange or lemon essence.
- Storage: Cookies keep well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

Nutritional Benefits

These cookies are a good source of carbohydrates, and Smarties add a splash of energy due to the quick sugars. However, it's best to enjoy them in moderation, considering they are sweet. You can opt for a healthier version by using brown sugar or honey instead of white sugar.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use another type of flour? Yes, you can experiment with whole wheat flour for a healthier version, although the texture of the cookies will be different.
- What type of sugar is best? Brown sugar is an excellent choice, giving the cookies a slightly caramelized flavor.
- Can I add nuts or dried fruits? Absolutely! Adding chopped nuts or dried fruits can create an interesting texture and delicious flavor.

Serving Suggestions

This quick dessert is perfect to be served alongside a glass of cold milk or a cup of hot chocolate. They also make a wonderful gift for schoolmates or parties. Try packaging them nicely in colorful boxes, and kids will be thrilled to receive them!

So, gather your ingredients, invite the kids into the kitchen, and let’s create these delicious cookies together that will bring smiles to everyone’s faces! Cooking is more than just an activity; it's a way to create memories, learn, and enjoy together. Enjoy your meal!