Homemade soft cookies

Homemade Soft Cookies Recipe

Homemade cookies are a delicacy that reminds us of childhood times, when their aroma spread throughout the house, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. This simple and quick recipe for soft cookies is perfect for any season, but especially during the holidays when everyone appreciates homemade treats. Let’s embark on this adventure together in making these delicious cookies!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Number of servings: Approximately 40 cookies

Ingredients:

- 3 kg of flour
- 750 ml of melted lard
- 250 g of sugar
- Zest of one orange (about 1-2 tablespoons)
- 150 ml of water
- 6 eggs
- 1 tablespoon of ammonium bicarbonate dissolved in vinegar

A bit of history:

Cookies have a long history, being considered a form of light and portable food. They were often prepared for long journeys or given as gifts on special occasions. Every family has its own traditional recipe, and the adaptations are limitless, turning each batch of cookies into a unique experience.

Step by step:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Make sure you have all the ingredients at hand. Sift the flour into a large bowl to aerate it, which will contribute to the fluffy texture of the cookies.

2. Forming the dough: Make a well in the center of the flour and add the eggs, orange zest, ammonium bicarbonate dissolved in vinegar, sugar, and melted lard. Gently mix the ingredients with a fork or your hands to combine them.

3. Kneading: Start kneading the dough with your palms. It is important to work the dough well, as the lard will absorb a lot of flour. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, but avoid overdoing it to prevent the cookies from becoming too hard.

4. Shaping the cookies: Once the dough becomes homogeneous and elastic, take a meat grinder and insert the cookie shape. If you don’t have a grinder, you can use a knife to cut the dough into desired shapes. Choose the size of the cookies according to your preferences.

5. Preparing the tray: Dust a tray with flour or alternatively, you can use parchment paper to prevent sticking. Place the cookies on the tray, leaving enough space between them to expand during baking.

6. Baking: Preheat the oven to 150 degrees Celsius. Bake the cookies for 20 minutes or until they turn golden and slightly crispy at the edges. Make sure not to leave them too long, as they will continue to bake after you take them out of the oven.

7. Cooling and serving: Let the cookies cool on the tray for a few minutes, then transfer them to a cooling rack. They are delicious served plain, but you can add a sugar glaze or even melted chocolate for an extra flavor boost.

Practical tips:

- Choosing lard: Use high-quality lard for better flavor. If you want a healthier option, try replacing some of the lard with coconut oil.
- Flavor additions: Experiment with different flavors! You can also add vanilla or almonds for a more complex taste.
- Variations: These cookies can be transformed into flavored cookies by adding ground nuts, candied fruits, or even chocolate.
- Storing cookies: Cookies store well in an airtight container for up to a week, making them ideal for gifting or enjoying with coffee with friends.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I replace lard with butter? Yes, but the texture of the cookies will be slightly different. Butter adds a creamier taste, while lard offers a unique flakiness.
2. Can I use whole wheat flour? Sure, but the cookies will have a denser texture. It is recommended to use a combination of white and whole wheat flour for a balanced result.
3. How can I make the cookies fluffier? Make sure not to over-knead the dough and let it rest a bit before shaping it.

Serving suggestions:
These cookies are wonderful served with a cup of fragrant tea or coffee. They also pair perfectly with a glass of milk, especially for the little ones. You can offer them as a snack alongside ice cream on hot summer days.

Regardless of the occasion, these homemade soft cookies will bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones. Try this simple recipe and enjoy every bite filled with memories and flavors!