Homemade Cookies

Homemade Cookies – A Traditional Delight Full of Nostalgia

Total Time: 1 hour
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Baking Time: 15-20 minutes
Number of Servings: 20 cookies

Do you remember the taste of fresh cookies, with a crispy texture on the outside and fluffy on the inside? Homemade cookies are a perfect choice to bring a touch of joy to every day. This simple and quick recipe will transform your kitchen into a true sweet workshop, and their aroma will fill your home with warmth and pleasant memories.

Necessary Ingredients:

- 250 g lard (at room temperature)
- 1 cup sugar
- 4 eggs
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 3 packets vanilla sugar
- 1 pinch of salt
- 1 cup milk
- Flour as needed (about 500 g, but it's good to have a little extra for shaping)

Preparing the Dough:

1. Mixing the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, add the sugar and eggs. Use a whisk or mixer to beat them together until you achieve a homogeneous mixture. The eggs are essential for providing structure to the cookies, so make sure to incorporate them well.

2. Adding Flavors: Add the baking powder, a pinch of salt, and the vanilla sugar. These ingredients not only enhance the flavor but also help the cookies rise, giving them a fluffy texture.

3. Incorporating the Milk: Pour the milk into the egg and sugar mixture. This will help achieve a soft and easy-to-handle dough.

4. Adding the Lard: It is crucial that the lard is at room temperature to incorporate it more easily into the dough. Mix well until the lard is completely combined.

5. Incorporating the Flour: Start adding the flour gradually, mixing with a spatula or your hands. Continue adding flour until you achieve an elastic and easy-to-shape dough. You may not need all the flour, so add it gradually.

6. Chilling the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes. This step is important as it helps to firm up the lard, making it easier to form the cookies.

Shaping and Baking the Cookies:

1. Preparing the Form: Take the dough out of the refrigerator and let it sit for a few minutes at room temperature to make it easier to shape. Meanwhile, prepare the cookie cutter with the desired shape.

2. Shaping the Cookies: Pass the dough through the cookie cutter, forming cookies of the desired length. This step adds a traditional flair to the recipe, and the classic shape will make the cookies even more appealing.

3. Placing on the Tray: Arrange the cookies on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, leaving space between them to allow for expansion during baking.

4. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Place the tray in the oven and bake the cookies for 15-20 minutes, or until they become golden and crispy at the edges. Be careful, as baking time may vary depending on your oven.

5. Finishing: Once the cookies are done, take them out of the oven and let them cool slightly on the tray. Then, dust them with powdered vanilla sugar for an elegant and delicious finish.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

- Homemade cookies are perfect to be served alongside a cup of aromatic tea or coffee.
- You can experiment with different flavors by adding lemon or orange zest to the dough for a fresh taste.
- You can also replace the vanilla sugar with almond extract for a distinct note.

Nutritional Information:
These cookies are delicious, but it’s good to keep in mind the caloric intake. One serving of cookies (about 2-3 pieces) contains around 150-200 calories, depending on the size and exact ingredients used. The lard provides a fat content, but also a rich flavor, so enjoy them in moderation.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Can I use margarine instead of lard? Yes, but the texture and taste will be slightly different. Lard provides a richer flavor and a more tender texture.

2. How can I store the cookies? Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them.

3. Can I add chocolate or nuts? Absolutely! Adding chocolate chips or chopped nuts will turn these cookies into a true indulgence.

Now that you’ve discovered how to make these delicious homemade cookies, all that’s left is to get started! Enjoy the cooking moment and the sweet aroma that will fill your home. Whether you savor them with loved ones or give them as a gift, homemade cookies are always an inspired choice! Enjoy!