Vanilla butter pogacele – a traditional delight that harmoniously blends sweet and buttery flavors, perfect for enjoying alongside a cup of fragrant tea. These little treats are ideal for a snack but also bring a touch of joy to any moment of the day. In this recipe, I will guide you step by step to achieve the perfect pogacele, which should be golden, fluffy, and full of flavor.
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 20-25 pogacele
Ingredients
- 800 g high-quality white flour (ideally type 550, for a finer texture)
- 250 g sugar (you can adjust the amount according to personal preferences)
- 200 g butter (82% fat, for a rich taste and buttery texture)
- 150 ml sour cream (choose a sour cream with a higher fat content to make the pogacele fluffier)
- 2 egg yolks (preferably from free-range chickens)
- 3 whole eggs
- 2 packets of bourbon vanilla sugar (the bourbon flavor adds a distinct note)
- ½ packet of baking powder (to ensure a light texture)
Preparation
1. Preparing the butter and sugar mixture: In a large bowl, add room temperature butter and sugar. Using an electric mixer, beat the mixture on medium speed until it becomes a fluffy, light-colored foam. This step is essential for incorporating air into the dough, which will contribute to the final texture of the pogacele.
2. Adding the eggs: In another bowl, beat the 3 whole eggs and the 2 yolks. Incorporate the egg mixture into the butter and sugar foam, mixing continuously to achieve a homogeneous composition. The vanilla aroma will begin to emerge, and the mixture will acquire a creamy texture.
3. Incorporating the dry ingredients: In another container, sift the flour together with the baking powder. This step is important to avoid lumps in the dough. Add the flour mixture to the butter composition, alternating with the sour cream. Mix with a spatula or with the mixer on low speed until all ingredients are well incorporated and you obtain a sufficiently dense dough that can be rolled out.
4. Shaping the pogacele: On a floured work surface, roll out the dough to a thickness of about 1 cm. Using a cutter or a glass with a diameter of 3 cm, cut out pogacele from the dough. Arrange them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, leaving a little space between them.
5. Brushing the pogacele: Beat an egg yolk with a tablespoon of water and use a brush to glaze each pogacele. This will ensure a golden and appetizing crust.
6. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Place the tray with pogacele in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes or until they turn golden. It is important not to open the oven door in the first 10 minutes of baking to allow the pogacele to rise evenly.
7. Cooling and serving: Once the pogacele are baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool on a rack. Serve them warm, alongside a cup of fragrant tea, and if desired, add a spoonful of honey for a sweet and natural touch.
Useful tips
- Flavor variations: You can experiment with different flavors by adding lemon or orange zest to the dough for a citrus note.
- Baking care: If you notice that the pogacele are browning too quickly, reduce the oven temperature to 160°C to bake them evenly.
- Storage: Pogacele can be kept in an airtight container for a few days. They can also be frozen, and when you want to consume them, simply let them thaw and warm them slightly in the oven.
Nutritional information
Each pogacele has approximately 120 calories, being a snack that offers a combination of carbohydrates and healthy fats due to the butter and sour cream. They are rich in protein due to the eggs, and the vanilla aroma makes them a delicious choice for breakfast or an afternoon snack.
Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use other types of flour?
Yes, you can experiment with whole wheat flour or even almond flour, but be aware that the texture and taste will be different.
2. How can I tell if the pogacele are baked?
Check if they have a beautiful golden color, and for an additional test, you can insert a toothpick into the center of one; if it comes out clean, the pogacele are ready.
3. What drinks pair best with pogacele?
They pair perfectly with fragrant teas, such as mint tea or fruit tea, as well as with coffee.
Vanilla butter pogacele are more than just a simple recipe; they are an invitation to joy and relaxation, a moment of indulgence that deserves to be savored. So, put on your apron and let’s enjoy the cooking process together! Bon appétit!
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 20-25 pogacele
Ingredients
- 800 g high-quality white flour (ideally type 550, for a finer texture)
- 250 g sugar (you can adjust the amount according to personal preferences)
- 200 g butter (82% fat, for a rich taste and buttery texture)
- 150 ml sour cream (choose a sour cream with a higher fat content to make the pogacele fluffier)
- 2 egg yolks (preferably from free-range chickens)
- 3 whole eggs
- 2 packets of bourbon vanilla sugar (the bourbon flavor adds a distinct note)
- ½ packet of baking powder (to ensure a light texture)
Preparation
1. Preparing the butter and sugar mixture: In a large bowl, add room temperature butter and sugar. Using an electric mixer, beat the mixture on medium speed until it becomes a fluffy, light-colored foam. This step is essential for incorporating air into the dough, which will contribute to the final texture of the pogacele.
2. Adding the eggs: In another bowl, beat the 3 whole eggs and the 2 yolks. Incorporate the egg mixture into the butter and sugar foam, mixing continuously to achieve a homogeneous composition. The vanilla aroma will begin to emerge, and the mixture will acquire a creamy texture.
3. Incorporating the dry ingredients: In another container, sift the flour together with the baking powder. This step is important to avoid lumps in the dough. Add the flour mixture to the butter composition, alternating with the sour cream. Mix with a spatula or with the mixer on low speed until all ingredients are well incorporated and you obtain a sufficiently dense dough that can be rolled out.
4. Shaping the pogacele: On a floured work surface, roll out the dough to a thickness of about 1 cm. Using a cutter or a glass with a diameter of 3 cm, cut out pogacele from the dough. Arrange them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, leaving a little space between them.
5. Brushing the pogacele: Beat an egg yolk with a tablespoon of water and use a brush to glaze each pogacele. This will ensure a golden and appetizing crust.
6. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Place the tray with pogacele in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes or until they turn golden. It is important not to open the oven door in the first 10 minutes of baking to allow the pogacele to rise evenly.
7. Cooling and serving: Once the pogacele are baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool on a rack. Serve them warm, alongside a cup of fragrant tea, and if desired, add a spoonful of honey for a sweet and natural touch.
Useful tips
- Flavor variations: You can experiment with different flavors by adding lemon or orange zest to the dough for a citrus note.
- Baking care: If you notice that the pogacele are browning too quickly, reduce the oven temperature to 160°C to bake them evenly.
- Storage: Pogacele can be kept in an airtight container for a few days. They can also be frozen, and when you want to consume them, simply let them thaw and warm them slightly in the oven.
Nutritional information
Each pogacele has approximately 120 calories, being a snack that offers a combination of carbohydrates and healthy fats due to the butter and sour cream. They are rich in protein due to the eggs, and the vanilla aroma makes them a delicious choice for breakfast or an afternoon snack.
Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use other types of flour?
Yes, you can experiment with whole wheat flour or even almond flour, but be aware that the texture and taste will be different.
2. How can I tell if the pogacele are baked?
Check if they have a beautiful golden color, and for an additional test, you can insert a toothpick into the center of one; if it comes out clean, the pogacele are ready.
3. What drinks pair best with pogacele?
They pair perfectly with fragrant teas, such as mint tea or fruit tea, as well as with coffee.
Vanilla butter pogacele are more than just a simple recipe; they are an invitation to joy and relaxation, a moment of indulgence that deserves to be savored. So, put on your apron and let’s enjoy the cooking process together! Bon appétit!