Morisca biscuits

Morisca Cookies: A Delicious Indulgence for the Commemoration of the Dead

Total Time: 1 hour
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Baking Time: 15 minutes
Servings: Approximately 20 cookies

Morisca cookies are a delicacy with a rich history, often prepared on special occasions to pay tribute to loved ones. These cookies, with their unique texture and refined taste, are perfect for sharing with those dear, especially on memorial days. The recipe I will present is simple and can be easily adapted, turning them into a quick and delicious dessert.

Ingredients

- 100 g vanilla powdered sugar
- 200 g flour
- 150 g soft butter (at room temperature)
- 1 large egg (or 2 small eggs)
- 1 heaping tablespoon of cocoa
- 1 teaspoon of lemon essence
- 1 teaspoon of rum essence

A Bit of History

Morisca cookies have a profound tradition, often associated with memorial rituals and celebrations of life. They are not just a snack but also a symbol of the continuity of family bonds and cherished memories. Their sweet taste and aroma of cocoa and rum make them a perfect choice to bring a smile to the faces of those who enjoy them.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven
Start by preheating the oven to 180°C (350°F). Make sure you have a baking tray ready, lined with parchment paper, to prevent the cookies from sticking.

2. Prepare the egg and sugar mixture
In a bowl, beat the egg as for an omelet. Add the vanilla powdered sugar and mix well until you achieve a homogeneous and fluffy composition.

3. Create the cookie base
In another bowl, mix the soft butter until it becomes a creamy foam. This step is essential to ensure the fluffy texture of the cookies. Then, add the egg and sugar mixture to the butter and continue mixing until all ingredients are well integrated.

4. Incorporate the flour
Sift the flour and gradually add it to the mixture, mixing with a spatula or with the mixer on low speed. When the dough becomes homogeneous, divide it into two equal parts.

5. Flavor the dough
In the first half of the dough, add the lemon essence, and in the other half, add the cocoa and rum essence. These flavors will combine wonderfully, giving the cookies a complex and aromatic taste.

6. Chill the dough
Wrap each part of the dough in plastic wrap and place them in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. This step helps the dough to firm up, making it easier to shape the cookies.

7. Shape the cookies
After the dough has chilled, roll out each part on a floured surface, forming two sheets of approximately equal size. Stack the white sheet (with lemon essence) on top of the cocoa one and carefully roll them to form a cylinder.

8. Cut the cookies
Use a sharp knife or, for a more uniform result, a sewing thread to cut the roll into slices about 1 cm thick. Place the resulting slices on the lined baking tray.

9. Bake
Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake the cookies for 15 minutes. It is important not to let them brown; Morisca cookies should remain light in color.

10. Cool
Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on a rack. This helps maintain their crispy texture.

Tips and Tricks

- Adjusting texture: If you notice that your dough is too soft, you can add a tablespoon of flour, as mentioned. This will help achieve a more suitable consistency.
- Cutting with thread: Cutting the cookies with thread can provide a more uniform and aesthetic appearance. It is a technique commonly used in home baking.
- Flavor variations: You can experiment with different flavors by adding cinnamon, vanilla, or even some chopped nuts for an extra texture.

Nutritional Benefits

These cookies contain butter, which provides healthy fats, and eggs, a good source of protein. Although they are sweet, moderate consumption can be part of a balanced diet. Whole wheat flour can be a healthy alternative, adding extra fiber.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, but the texture and taste will be different. Butter provides a richer flavor and a finer texture.

2. Can the cookies be frozen?
Absolutely! Morisca cookies can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Make sure they are completely cooled before freezing.

3. How can I make the cookies less sweet?
You can reduce the amount of sugar, but be careful not to affect the final texture of the cookies.

Serving Suggestions

Morisca cookies are exceptional when served alongside a cup of hot tea or flavored coffee. You can also pair them with vanilla ice cream or chocolate sauce for a more elaborate dessert. Another idea is to share them with loved ones, creating moments full of memories and stories.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that’s left is to get cooking! I wish you success in making these delicious cookies and enjoy every bite!