Love Nodes

Love Knots - Recipe for Delicious Cookies

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 15-20 minutes
Total time: 35-40 minutes
Number of servings: 24 cookies

Introduction

Welcome to the sweet world of cooking! Today we will explore together the recipe for delightful cookies known as "Love Knots". These treats are not only full of flavor but also a true visual delight. Whether you're preparing them for a party, a family gathering, or simply to indulge yourself, these cookies will bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones.

A Brief History

Over time, cookies have played a special role in culinary traditions around the world. These small sweet delights have often been associated with moments of celebration and joy, becoming symbols of love and generosity. "Love Knots" are a playful variant that combines a crispy texture with a soft interior, perfect for enjoying alongside a cup of tea or coffee.

Ingredients

- 320 g all-purpose flour
- 75 g sugar
- 1 packet baking powder
- 1 whole egg
- 1 egg yolk
- 120 g butter at room temperature
- 50 g milk
- a pinch of salt
- zest of 1/2 lemon
- powdered sugar for decoration

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven: Start by preheating the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. This will ensure even and perfect baking of the cookies.

2. Prepare the baking tray: Grease a baking tray with butter and dust it with flour. This step is essential to prevent the cookies from sticking.

3. Mixing the ingredients: In a large bowl, add the softened butter and sugar. Using a mixer or spatula, mix well until the mixture becomes white and fluffy. This step is crucial for incorporating air and achieving a light texture.

4. Adding the eggs: Add the whole egg and the egg yolk, mixing slowly to avoid losing the incorporated air. These ingredients will provide moisture and richness to the dough.

5. Seasoning: Incorporate a pinch of salt and the lemon zest. The lemon zest will add a fresh aroma and a hint of acidity, balancing the sweetness of the sugar.

6. Milk: Pour in the milk and mix well, ensuring all ingredients are fully integrated.

7. Adding the flour: Begin to add the flour, previously mixed with the baking powder, little by little. This will help achieve a uniform texture for the dough.

8. Forming the dough: Once the dough is homogeneous, roll it out between two sheets of baking paper. This method simplifies the process and prevents the dough from sticking to the surface.

9. Cutting and forming knots: Using a knife, cut strips of dough and tie them into knots. This part can be fun, so feel free to experiment with different shapes!

10. Baking: Place the knots on the prepared tray and bake them in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until golden.

11. Cooling and decorating: Once baked, let the cookies cool on a rack and finally dust them with powdered sugar for an elegant look.

Serving Suggestions

These cookies are excellent served alongside a cup of green tea or a fragrant coffee. You can also pair them with vanilla ice cream for a more sophisticated dessert. If you want to add a personal touch, try serving them with warm chocolate sauce or a fruit compote.

Nutritional Benefits

Cookies are a quick source of energy due to their sugar and carbohydrate content. Butter provides healthy fats, and eggs are an excellent source of protein. The lemon zest adds vitamins and antioxidants, contributing to a balanced diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I replace butter with another ingredient? Yes, you can use coconut oil or margarine, but the result will have a slightly different texture and taste.

2. How can I keep the cookies fresh longer? Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. If you want to keep them even longer, you can freeze them.

3. Can I add other flavors? Absolutely! You can add vanilla or almond extract to diversify the flavors.

4. What are the possible variations? You can transform these knots into small chocolate cookies by adding chocolate chips to the dough or by replacing some of the flour with cocoa.

Conclusion

These "Love Knots" are more than just cookies - they are an invitation to creativity and fun in the kitchen. Take a few moments to prepare them and you will notice how each bite becomes an explosion of joy and warmth. Don't forget to share the recipe with your loved ones, so everyone can enjoy these treats. Happy cooking!