Tender biscuits or Ciucalai

Tender Cookies or Ciucalai – A Melt-in-Your-Mouth Delicacy

Welcome to the fascinating world of baking, where each ingredient has a story and every step is an opportunity to create something truly special. Today, I will share with you the recipe for these tender cookies, also known as Ciucalai, which will surely enrich your moments of indulgence. These cookies, with a slightly crumbly texture and unique flavor, are perfect to be enjoyed alongside a cup of coffee or a glass of warm milk.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 15-20 minutes
Total time: 40-45 minutes
Number of servings: Approximately 30 cookies (depending on their size)

Ingredients:
- 400 g lard
- 5 tablespoons yogurt
- 2 ½ tablespoons sugar
- 1 packet Bourbon vanilla sugar
- 1 packet baking powder
- Zest of one lemon
- Flour as needed (approximately 500 g)
- Powdered sugar with vanilla flavor for dusting

Making these cookies is a satisfying experience, and I will guide you step by step to achieve a perfect result.

Step 1: Mixing the basic ingredients
In a large bowl, add the lard, yogurt, sugar, and vanilla sugar. Using a wooden spoon, mix vigorously until the ingredients are well integrated and the mixture becomes homogeneous. Here, the warmth and aroma of the lard will give a wonderful flavor to the cookies.

Step 2: Adding the flavors
Add the lemon zest to the previous mixture. The lemon zest not only adds a note of freshness but also an irresistible fragrance to the cookies. Make sure to use a fresh and well-washed lemon.

Step 3: Integrating the flour
Sift the flour together with the baking powder into another bowl. Then, gradually add the flour to the lard mixture, mixing continuously. The dough should become easy to shape, non-sticky, similar to play dough. If the dough is too soft, add a little more flour until you achieve the desired consistency.

Step 4: Shaping the cookies
Break off small pieces of dough (approximately 30 g each) and roll them between your palms. Flatten them slightly with your hand to form discs. Remember that the size of the cookies will influence the baking time, so adjust them to your preferences.

Step 5: Baking the cookies
Place the shaped cookies on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, leaving space between them. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius and bake the cookies for 15-20 minutes or until they turn golden on the bottom. It’s important to watch them in the last minutes of baking to avoid burning.

Step 6: Finishing
After removing them from the oven, let the cookies cool slightly on the tray. Then, dust them with powdered sugar flavored with vanilla. This final touch will make them irresistible!

The story of these cookies is one of tradition and love for treats. It is said that each family has its own secrets related to this recipe, and each version is as unique as those who prepare it. These delicious cookies are perfect for enjoying during festive meals or simply in moments of personal indulgence.

Nutritional benefits:
These cookies, although delicious, contain ingredients that can offer some benefits. Lard, for example, is a source of fats, and yogurt brings beneficial probiotics for digestion. However, being sweet and with a higher fat content, moderate consumption is recommended.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use butter instead of lard?
Yes, but the texture and final taste will be different. Lard gives the cookies a unique fragility.

2. How can I store the cookies?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature, and they will remain tender for a few days.

3. Can I add other flavors?
Sure! You can experiment with flavors like cinnamon or nutmeg to give them a personal touch.

Delicious pairings:
These cookies are perfect alongside a fragrant cup of coffee or a warm tea, but they also go wonderfully with a glass of warm milk. You can serve them at a brunch with friends or at a family gathering, where they will bring smiles to everyone’s faces.

Possible variations:
If you want to add a touch of chocolate, you can incorporate dark or white chocolate chips into the dough before shaping the cookies. These small changes can transform the recipe into something even more special!

I hope this recipe has inspired you to start cooking and enjoy the tender cookies you will prepare. Don’t forget to put your personal stamp on the recipe and have fun in the process! Enjoy your meal!