Shortbread with Rooibos and Moroccan mint

Shortbread with Rooibos and Moroccan Mint

Of course, making cookies may seem like a simple task, but when you add a touch of sophistication like Rooibos with Moroccan mint, you are on your way to creating a true delicacy. These English or Scottish cookies, with their crispy texture and surprising flavor, are the ideal partner for a cup of tea, perfect for sweetening less inspired days. Let’s embark together on this simple yet flavorful recipe!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Refrigeration time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 12-14 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 24 cookies

Ingredients

- 2 cups of flour
- ½ teaspoon of salt
- ½ cup + 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1 stick (about 200g) of room temperature butter
- 1 teaspoon of water
- 2 tablespoons of Rooibos Orange-Peppermint tea (or fine Earl Grey tea)

Preparing the Cookies

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by preparing all the ingredients. Make sure the butter is soft by leaving it at room temperature for about an hour before starting. This will help achieve a fine and creamy texture.

2. Mixing the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, sift the flour together with the salt and powdered sugar. This step is essential to avoid lumps and will help with even integration of the ingredients.

3. Adding flavors: In the same mixture, add the vanilla extract, water, and Rooibos Orange-Peppermint tea. Here, Rooibos brings not only flavor but also a warm color and a hint of freshness from the Moroccan mint. If you prefer a more intense taste, you can add more tea, but be careful not to affect the proportions of flour and fat.

4. Incorporating the butter: Add the soft butter and mix everything with a spatula or your hands until the mixture becomes homogeneous and easy to shape. Avoid overmixing, as the cookies will become too hard.

5. Shaping the dough: Turn the dough onto a piece of plastic wrap and shape it into a cylinder about 2 cm in diameter. Wrap it tightly, as you would with a log of cookies, and place it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. If you want to shorten the time, you can also put the dough in the freezer for 15 minutes.

Cutting and Baking the Cookies

6. Preparing for baking: Once the dough has hardened, remove it from the wrap. Use a sharp knife to cut the dough into slices of the desired thickness (about 0.5 cm is ideal). Make sure to use a knife with a straight blade for clean cuts.

7. Arranging on the tray: Place the cookies on a tray lined with parchment paper, leaving enough space between them, as they will spread slightly during baking.

8. Baking: Preheat the oven to 190 degrees Celsius and bake the cookies for 12-14 minutes, or until the edges turn slightly brown. It is important not to leave them in the oven too long, as we want to maintain that crispy texture but also a soft interior.

9. Cooling: After baking, let the cookies rest on the tray for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a metal rack to cool completely. This step helps maintain the crispy texture.

Storage and Serving

These cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to a month. I recommend enjoying them with a cup of hot tea or, why not, a fragrant coffee. The cookies are also perfect for gifting, beautifully packaged in a decorative box.

Variations and Suggestions

If you want to experiment, you can replace Rooibos with other types of tea or add chocolate chips or chopped nuts. You can also add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for an even more complex flavor.

Nutritional Benefits

Rooibos is caffeine-free, making it an excellent choice for those who want to avoid caffeine. It is also rich in antioxidants, contributing to overall health. Additionally, the cookies contain healthy fats from butter, but it’s best to consume them in moderation, as each cookie has about 80 calories.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use another type of tea? Yes, you can opt for green tea, black tea, or other flavors you like.
- Can this dough be frozen? Yes, you can freeze the dough before cutting, and when you want to use it, just let it thaw at room temperature.
- How can I make the cookies sweeter? You can add more powdered sugar or use flavored sugar, such as coconut sugar or vanilla-flavored sugar.

Conclusion

These cookies with Rooibos and Moroccan mint are not only easy to prepare but also a true explosion of flavors. I invite you to try them and surprise your family and friends with this unique delicacy that combines tradition with a touch of innovation. Try them, savor them, and don’t forget to share this recipe with your loved ones!