Tree bark

Tree Bark - Traditional Winter Cookies

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooling time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 20 minutes
Total: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Servings: About 3 trays
Calories: Approximately 100 calories per cookie

The cookies known as "tree bark" are a traditional delicacy with a crispy exterior and a soft interior, blending sweet and spicy flavors typical of winter holidays. These cookies evoke cherished childhood memories, being favorites of many families, offering a touch of nostalgia and joy in every bite. I will present a detailed recipe that will help you create the most delicious cookies in a simple and enjoyable way.

Ingredients

- 250 g of butter or margarine (at room temperature)
- 2 large eggs + 1 egg for brushing
- 7 tablespoons of sugar
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- A pinch of salt
- 400 g of flour
- 1 packet of baking powder
- Zest of 1 lemon (or other citrus fruits, to taste)
- Ground nuts for sprinkling

Necessary utensils

- Large mixing bowl
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Baking tray
- Parchment paper
- Cone-shaped molds (optional)
- Grater for citrus

Preparation method

1. Preparing the butter/margarine
Start by cutting the butter or margarine into thin strips. This step is important for the ingredient to soften evenly. Let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes.

2. Mixing the wet ingredients
In a large bowl, add the softened butter or margarine, sugar, vanilla sugar, salt, and lemon zest. Mix well with a spatula or wooden spoon until the mixture becomes creamy and smooth. This blend will provide a pleasant taste and intense aroma to the cookies.

3. Adding the eggs
Add the two eggs to the previous mixture, stirring continuously to integrate the ingredients well. The eggs are essential as they help bind the dough and give it a fluffy texture.

4. Incorporating the dry ingredients
In another bowl, combine the flour and baking powder. Gradually add the flour mixture to the other ingredients, stirring constantly. You will obtain a softer dough that will need to chill for about 30 minutes in the refrigerator. This will make the dough easier to handle.

5. Shaping and cutting the dough
Once the dough has chilled, sprinkle flour on the work surface and roll out the dough into a thick sheet about 0.5 cm thick. Using a sharp knife or a pastry cutter, cut the dough into long strips approximately 2 cm wide.

6. Brush and sprinkle
Beat the remaining egg and brush each strip with the beaten egg. This step will not only give them a golden color but will also help the nuts adhere better. Sprinkle ground nuts over the strips, and if you like, you can also add a dash of cocoa for a chocolate flavor.

7. Shaping the cookies
If you have cone-shaped molds, you can roll the strips of dough onto the greased molds. If you don't have molds, don't worry! You can place the twisted strips on the baking tray lined with parchment paper, in a spiral shape or any other shape you desire.

8. Baking
Preheat the oven to 180°C (medium heat) and bake the cookies for about 20 minutes. Keep a close eye on them; you want to achieve a golden hue, but avoid browning the edges, as they will become dry.

9. Cooling
Once the cookies are done, remove them from the oven and place them in a clean container. Cover them with a towel to retain moisture. Allow them to cool completely.

10. Storage
It is recommended to store the cookies in airtight bags or containers to prevent them from hardening. These cookies can be kept for a few days, but they are so delicious that they definitely won't last long!

Practical tips

- Choose quality ingredients: Using high-quality butter enhances the final taste of the cookies.
- Experimentation: Substitute lemon zest with orange or lime zest for a different note.
- Variations: You can also add spices like cinnamon or ginger for a more pronounced winter flavor.
- Serving: These cookies pair perfectly with a cup of hot tea or a glass of milk, but also with a fragrant mulled wine.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I use margarine? Yes, margarine is an excellent alternative to butter, but the taste will be slightly different.
- How can I keep them longer? Make sure they are well sealed in airtight containers to prevent drying out.
- Can I add chocolate? Absolutely! Try adding chocolate chips to the dough for an extra flavor boost.

These cookies are not only a perfect choice for the holidays but also a wonderful way to connect with childhood memories. Enjoy cooking and savoring!