Glazed butter cookies

Butter Glazed Cookies – An Unforgettable Delicacy

Who can resist the charm of butter cookies, glazed with a sweet and shiny icing? These cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether it's a party, a gathering with friends, or simply to treat yourself on an ordinary day. Today's recipe is simple, quick, and most importantly, delicious! So, let’s venture into the sweet world of butter glazed cookies.

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Baking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Number of Servings: Approximately 30 cookies

Necessary Ingredients

To make these delicious cookies, you will need the following ingredients:

- 230 g butter (82% fat; make sure it is at room temperature for better incorporation)
- 180 g powdered sugar (this will provide a fine texture and balanced sweetness)
- 1 egg (at room temperature; eggs at room temperature mix better with the other ingredients)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder (approximately 5 g; helps the cookies rise)
- 430 g all-purpose flour (choose a quality flour for the best results)
- Lemon juice or vanilla extract (optional; for an extra flavor)

Step by Step:

1. Preparing the Dough: In a large bowl, add the soft butter and powdered sugar. Using an electric mixer or a spatula, mix well until the mixture becomes fluffy and creamy white. This step is essential because the air incorporated at this stage will help the cookies be fluffier.

2. Adding the Eggs: Once the butter and sugar are well mixed, add the room temperature egg. Continue mixing until the egg is fully integrated into the mixture. If desired, now is the time to add lemon juice or vanilla extract to give the cookies a pleasant flavor.

3. Incorporating Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, combine the flour and baking powder. Sifting these ingredients will help prevent lumps in the dough. Gradually incorporate the flour mixture into the butter mixture, mixing gently until a homogeneous dough forms. Avoid overmixing, as this can lead to less tender cookies.

4. Shaping the Cookies: There’s no need to chill the dough; it can be used immediately. On a lightly floured work surface, roll out the dough to about 0.5 cm thick. Use cookie cutters to cut out various shapes depending on the occasion. The cookies can be cut into star, heart, or any other shapes you prefer.

5. Baking the Cookies: Place the cut-out cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving a little space between them. Preheat the oven to 180°C (moderate heat) and bake the cookies for 15 minutes, or until the edges become slightly golden. Be careful not to overbake them, as they can become too crunchy.

6. Glazing: Once the cookies have completely cooled, it’s time to decorate them. You can use royal icing or fondant to give them a festive look. Personally, I love using colored royal icing to add a playful touch.

Practical Tips:

- Choosing Butter: Using high-quality butter with a minimum fat content of 82% will make a significant difference in the texture and taste of the cookies.

- Customizing Flavors: Experiment with different flavors by adding almond extract, orange zest, or even spices like cinnamon or nutmeg.

- Storing Cookies: Cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them after they have completely cooled.

Nutritional Benefits:

These butter cookies are a quick source of energy due to the healthy fats from the butter and sugar. While they are not necessarily a diet choice, they can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. A serving of cookies (approximately 2 cookies) contains around 150-200 calories, depending on the icing ingredients.

Frequently Asked Questions:

- Can I use whole wheat flour? Yes, you can replace some of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier version, but the texture and taste may change.

- How can I make the cookies fluffier? Make sure not to overmix the dough after adding the flour and bake the cookies at the correct temperature.

- What should I serve with the cookies? These cookies pair perfectly with tea, coffee, or milk, making them an excellent choice for a sweet breakfast or an afternoon snack.

Unique Variation: Butter Cookies with Dried Fruits

For a personal touch, try adding dried fruits (such as raisins or candied orange peel) to the dough. They will not only provide a delicious flavor but will also add an interesting texture to the cookies.

In conclusion, butter glazed cookies are a simple and versatile recipe, perfect for any cooking enthusiast. Regardless of the occasion, these cookies will bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones and turn any moment into something special. Enjoy every bite and relish the joy of cooking!