Orange and raisin crescent cookies

Goodies for carolers: Orange and raisin cookies

When the holiday season arrives, the aroma of freshly baked goodies fills the air and reminds us of moments spent with our loved ones. Orange and raisin cookies are a perfect choice to pamper carolers, as well as dear family members. These cookies are not only delicious but also extremely easy to prepare. Let’s put on our aprons and get started!

Total preparation time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 15 minutes
Number of servings: 2 trays (approximately 40 cookies)

Ingredients

- 100 g Rama Maestro (70% fat)
- 3 tablespoons vanilla sugar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 pinch of salt
- 1 egg white
- Flour, as needed (approximately 200-250 g)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- For decoration:
- Jarred orange peel (or freshly squeezed orange juice)
- Optional: raisins or nuts for added texture

Step by step: Preparing the cookies

1. Preparing the dough: In a large bowl, cream the butter or margarine with the vanilla sugar and honey. This step is essential as it will help achieve a fluffy texture. Use a spatula or an electric mixer on low speed to avoid splattering.

2. Adding wet ingredients: Once the mixture becomes creamy, add the lightly beaten egg white. This will contribute to the fine airiness of the cookies. Also, add a pinch of salt and the baking powder, mixing well to combine the ingredients.

3. Incorporating the flour: Start gradually adding flour, mixing with a spatula or by hand until you obtain a soft but consistent dough. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour. This is the time to add raisins or nuts if desired.

4. Chilling the dough: Shape the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for one hour. This step is crucial for getting cookies that are easy to shape and less sticky.

5. Preheating the oven: While the dough is chilling, preheat the oven to 180°C. Make sure it is well heated for even baking.

6. Shaping the cookies: After the dough has been in the fridge, take it out and roll it out on a floured surface. Roll it to about 5 mm thick. Use a crescent-shaped cutter or any other preferred shape to cut out the cookies.

7. Decorating: Brush the cookies with the juice left from the orange peel or with freshly squeezed orange juice. This step not only enhances the appearance but also the aroma of the cookies. Sprinkle orange peel on top for a festive look. You can also add a few raisins on each cookie for a pleasant contrast.

8. Baking: Place the cookies on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and bake for about 15 minutes or until golden. Be careful, as they bake quickly, and overbaking can dry them out.

9. Cooling: Once the cookies are ready, take them out of the oven and cover them with a kitchen towel to keep them soft and fluffy. This trick will help retain moisture and the delicate texture.

Serving and storage

These cookies are ideal to be served with a cup of hot chocolate or a fragrant tea. You can dust them with sugar for an extra touch of sweetness. It is best to store them in metal boxes, where they can stay fresh and delicious for a few weeks.

Nutritional information

Each cookie contains about 70 calories, making it a lighter choice compared to other desserts. Additionally, thanks to natural ingredients like honey and orange, these cookies contain antioxidants and essential vitamins.

Possible variations

- Replace raisins with dried cranberries or dark chocolate.
- Experiment with flavors by adding cinnamon or nutmeg for a more complex taste.
- Use other types of citrus, such as lemon, to vary the flavors.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, margarine is an excellent alternative and will provide a similar texture.

How can I prevent the dough from sticking to the work surface?
Make sure the work surface is well floured. If necessary, use parchment paper to roll out the dough.

Is it possible to freeze the cookies?
Yes, the cookies can be frozen. Make sure they are completely cooled before wrapping them in plastic wrap or freezer bags.

Enjoy this flavorful and traditional recipe, perfect for bringing a touch of magic to your home during the holidays. Bon appétit!