Poppy Seed Cookies

Poppy Seed Cookies - a simple and delicious recipe

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 12 minutes
Total time: 32 minutes
Number of servings: 24 cookies

Discover the joy of making poppy seed cookies, a simple and quick recipe, perfect to be served alongside a cup of coffee or tea. The delicate flavors of orange and the crunchy texture of poppy seeds make these cookies an ideal choice for any time of the day.

Ingredients:
- 2/3 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter (at room temperature)
- 2 egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon orange zest (freshly grated to enhance flavor)
- 1 1/4 cups flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- A pinch of salt
- 1 teaspoon poppy seeds

Detailed instructions:

1. Preheat the oven: Start by preheating the oven to 170 degrees Celsius. This step is crucial to ensure even baking of the cookies.

2. Prepare the butter: Cut the butter into cubes. Make sure the butter is at room temperature to incorporate it more easily into the dough.

3. Mix the ingredients: In a large bowl, add the sugar, butter, egg yolks, orange zest, flour, baking powder, salt, and poppy seeds. Use a spatula or a hand mixer to mix until all ingredients are well combined. The dough should be smooth and slightly sticky.

4. Forming the dough balls: Once the dough is ready, form a ball from it. Wrap the ball in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes. This step will help firm up the dough, making it easier to handle.

5. Rolling out the dough: After the dough has chilled, sprinkle a little flour on the work surface to prevent sticking. Roll out the dough into a thin sheet, about 5 mm thick. You can use a rolling pin to achieve an even thickness.

6. Cutting the cookies: Use your favorite cookie cutters (I chose a flower shape) to cut cookies from the dough. Place them on a buttered baking tray, leaving enough space between them to allow for expansion during baking.

7. Baking: Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake the cookies for about 12 minutes, or until they are lightly golden at the edges. It is important not to leave them too long, to maintain the crunchy texture.

8. Cooling: Remove the cookies from the oven and carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is essential to prevent the cookies from becoming soft.

9. Serving: Serve the cookies with a warm cup of coffee or fragrant tea. You can dust them with a little powdered sugar for a more elegant look.

Variation suggestions: You can experiment with flavors by adding cinnamon or vanilla to the dough. Also, for a more intense taste, you can replace the poppy seeds with ground nuts or chopped dark chocolate.

These poppy seed cookies are not only delicious but also very easy to make, perfect for a quick snack or to impress guests. Enjoy every bite and savor their unique flavors!