Lemon and vanilla cream cookie tree

Christmas Tree Cookies with Lemon and Vanilla Cream

Christmas is a holiday full of magic, and the Christmas tree cookies with lemon and vanilla cream are the perfect dessert to bring a touch of joy to the festive table. This recipe combines the fresh flavors of lemon with the delicacy of vanilla cream, creating a delight that will surely impress all your loved ones. Whether you want to add an original element to your Christmas table or enjoy a portion of aromatic cookies with a cup of tea, this tree is the ideal choice.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooling time: 2 hours
Baking time: 15-20 minutes
Total: 2 hours and 50 minutes
Number of servings: 50 cookies

Ingredients needed for the Christmas tree cookies:
- 100g flour
- 75g starch
- 70g powdered sugar
- 1 packet vanilla sugar
- 200g butter (at room temperature)
- 1 egg
- 1 vanilla bean (or vanilla essence)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 100g ground almonds
- 1-2 tablespoons of cream (optional, to adjust the consistency of the cream)

Ingredients for the vanilla cream (favorite recipe):
- 500ml milk
- 100g sugar
- 4 egg yolks
- 1 packet vanilla sugar
- 50g starch
- 1 teaspoon vanilla essence

Preparation:

1. Start by preparing the cookie dough. In a large bowl, add the butter at room temperature and the powdered sugar. Use an electric mixer to combine the ingredients until you get a creamy and homogeneous composition. This is the perfect base for lemon cookies!

2. Add the egg, lemon zest, vanilla sugar, and the seeds from the vanilla bean (or vanilla essence). Mix well until the ingredients are completely integrated.

3. In another bowl, combine the flour, starch, and ground almonds. These ingredients will add a fine texture and pleasant flavor to your cookies. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing until everything is well incorporated. If the dough seems too dry, you can add 1-2 tablespoons of cream to make it more pliable.

4. Once the dough is ready, shape it into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 2 hours. This step is essential to achieve crumbly and crunchy cookies, so don’t skip it!

5. After the dough has cooled, preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. On a floured work surface, take portions of dough and shape them into thin rolls, then cut them into pieces about 6 cm long.

6. Shape each piece into a crescent and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Leave enough space between them, as they will expand slightly while baking.

7. Bake the cookies in the oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they turn slightly golden. Let them cool on a rack before assembling.

8. Meanwhile, you can prepare the vanilla cream. In a saucepan, bring the milk to a boil with the sugar. In a separate bowl, beat the egg yolks with the vanilla sugar and starch, then gradually add the hot milk. Return the mixture to the heat and stir constantly until the cream thickens. Let it cool completely.

9. Once the cookies have cooled, you can start assembling the tree. Arrange the cookies on a plate in a circular shape, leaving a small space in the middle. Use the vanilla cream to create layers between the cookies. Continue alternating cookies and cream until you reach the top of the tree.

10. For a festive finish, dust the tree with powdered sugar and decorate it with lemon slices or even some candied fruits. This will not only add a touch of color but will also enhance the flavor.

Practical tips:
- Make sure the butter is well incorporated; this is the secret to getting crumbly cookies.
- You can experiment with different types of nuts or dried fruits to give the cookies a personal touch.
- If you prefer a less sweet combination, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the vanilla cream.

Possible variations:
- Instead of lemon, you can use orange or lime to get cookies with different flavors.
- The vanilla cream can be replaced with chocolate cream or mascarpone cream for a decadent version.

Nutritional benefits:
These lemon cookies are a good source of healthy fats (from butter and almonds) and can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Lemon provides a dose of vitamin C, helping to strengthen the immune system, while almonds offer protein and fiber.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, but the texture and taste will be different. Butter gives a richer flavor.

2. How can I keep the cookies fresh?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. The cookies will remain crunchy for a few days.

3. Can I freeze the cookies?
Yes! You can freeze the cookies before assembling them or even the fully assembled tree to enjoy later.

Serving suggestions:
This Christmas tree of cookies with lemon and vanilla cream pairs perfectly with a cup of aromatic tea or a glass of sweet white wine. It is the ideal dessert to be enjoyed with family and friends during the holidays, bringing smiles to everyone's faces.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that’s left is to put on your apron and start your culinary adventure. Prepare this Christmas tree of cookies with lemon and vanilla cream and let the magic of Christmas settle in your home!