Tender biscuits or cookies

Tender Cookies - Childhood Memories in Every Bite

These tender cookies, also known as "ciucalai", are more than just a simple recipe; they are a nostalgic journey back in time, to moments spent with family, when their inviting aroma filled the house. My mother always made them in large quantities, knowing how much we loved them. These delicious treats keep well, making them perfect for enjoying later.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 15-20 minutes
Total time: 40-45 minutes
Number of servings: 2 large trays

Ingredients:
- 800 g lard (make sure it is of good quality)
- 10 tablespoons yogurt (preferably full-fat for better texture)
- 5 tablespoons sugar (you can adjust the amount according to your preferences)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder (approximately 10 g)
- Zest of one lemon (for a fresh taste)
- 2 teaspoons powdered sugar with vanilla bean (or vanilla extract if you don't have it)
- Flour (as needed, approximately 1 kg, but will depend on the humidity of the ingredients)
- Powdered sugar (for rolling the cookies at the end)

Necessary utensils:
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk or spatula
- Cookie press (or a rolling pin and cookie cutters)
- Baking tray
- Parchment paper
- Knife (for cutting)

Step by step:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Make sure all the ingredients are at room temperature. The lard should be soft, and the yogurt should be creamy. This will help achieve the perfect texture for the cookies.

2. Mixing the ingredients: In a large bowl, use a whisk or spatula to mix the soft lard, yogurt, and sugar. Mix well until the mixture becomes homogeneous and fluffy. Here, you can add the lemon zest, which will bring a pleasant aroma and a fresh note.

3. Adding the dry ingredients: Next, add the baking powder and powdered sugar with vanilla bean. Mix again, then start incorporating the flour gradually. The amount of flour may vary, so it is important to add enough to obtain a moldable but non-sticky dough. Think of the texture of playdough: this is the desired consistency.

4. Shaping the cookies: If you have a cookie press, set it up now. Breaking off pieces of dough, put them in the machine and carefully turn the handle. The cookies will come out beautifully shaped. If you don’t have this machine, don’t worry! You can roll out the dough on a floured surface and cut the cookies with your favorite shapes.

5. Placing on the tray: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Prepare the baking tray, grease it with butter, and line it with parchment paper. Arrange the cookies on the tray, leaving a small space between them, as they will expand slightly during baking.

6. Baking: Put the tray in the oven and bake the cookies for 15-20 minutes, or until they become slightly golden at the edges. Be careful not to leave them too long, as we want them to remain tender!

7. Cooling and finishing: After taking them out of the oven, let them cool slightly, then roll them in powdered sugar. This step will not only add a delicious appearance but also a sweet note on the outside.

8. Serving: The tender cookies are perfect to be served with a warm tea or aromatic coffee. They can also be shared with friends and family at a gathering or beautifully packaged as a sweet gift.

Practical tips:
- Recipe modifications: You can add various flavors, such as cinnamon or nutmeg, for a more complex taste. You can also replace part of the yogurt with sour cream for an even richer texture.
- Storing the cookies: These cookies keep well in an airtight container for several weeks. You can even freeze them to enjoy later.
- Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use butter instead of lard? Yes, but the cookies will have a different texture and taste.
- What do I do if I don’t have yogurt? You can use buttermilk or Greek yogurt.

Nutritional benefits:
These cookies are not only delicious, but they also offer certain benefits. The lard used contains healthy fats, and the yogurt adds protein and probiotics, which are beneficial for digestion. However, it is important to consume them in moderation, considering the sugar content.

Possible variations:
- Adding nuts: You can incorporate chopped nuts or almonds into the dough for extra crunch.
- Chocolate: Add chocolate chips for a decadent version of these cookies.
- Dried fruits: Raisins or dried cranberries can be another delicious option.

Conclusion:
Tender cookies are a simple and quick recipe, perfect for bringing a smile to the faces of your loved ones. I encourage you to try this recipe and enjoy every bite! Whether you savor them alone or share with others, these cookies will surely take you back to the beautiful memories of childhood. Happy cooking and enjoy your meal!