Vanilla cookies, decorated with chocolate

Vanilla cookies decorated with chocolate - a recipe for Easter that brings joy and aroma to every corner of your home! These cookies are not only delicious but also a perfect way to spend quality time with family, whether you're preparing them with the little ones or aiming to impress guests with an elegant and attractive dessert. With a light texture and a delicate vanilla flavor, they are ideal for being decorated with chocolate and colorful ornaments, transforming them into a true visual feast.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 15-20 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Number of servings: Approximately 30 cookies

Necessary ingredients

- 125 g butter at room temperature
- 100 g sugar
- A pinch of salt
- 2 egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 250 g flour
- 100 g milk chocolate
- A splash of milk (for hydrating the chocolate)
- Colorful decorations (chocolate sprinkles, crushed nuts, or sugar stars)
- A brush for decorating

Brief history of the recipe

Vanilla cookies are a culinary tradition that has crossed generations and cultures. Often associated with holidays or special events, these simple cookies have frequently been decorated with colorful glazes or chocolate, bringing a touch of magic to everyday life. During the holidays, they become true works of art, each piece telling a little family story.

Step by step: How to make perfect cookies

1. Preheating the oven
Preheat the oven to 180°C (180°F). This step is essential for ensuring even baking of the cookies.

2. Mixing the ingredients
In a large bowl, add the soft butter, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Use a spoon or mixer to combine the ingredients until they become a creamy, homogeneous paste. This step helps incorporate air, making the cookies fluffier.

3. Adding the egg yolks and vanilla
Incorporate the two egg yolks and the vanilla extract. Mix well until the composition is uniform. Vanilla adds a delicious flavor, so don't hesitate to use a quality extract.

4. Incorporating the flour
Gradually add the flour and knead the dough until it becomes non-sticky. If it's too soft, you can add a little more flour. It's important not to over-knead, as the cookies may become tough.

5. Shaping the cookies
Fill the cookie press with dough and press twice to form the cookies directly on the baking tray. Make sure to use a non-stick tray or a greased tray lined with parchment paper. If you notice that a cookie doesn't come out perfectly, don't worry! Wipe the spot with a dry napkin and try again.

6. Baking
Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake the cookies for 15-20 minutes, or until they become golden. Keep an eye on them, as each oven bakes a little differently.

7. Cooling
Once the cookies are baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool on a rack. This step is important to avoid the cookies becoming too soft.

8. Decorating with chocolate
Break the chocolate into small pieces and put it in a small pot along with a spoonful of milk. Place the pot over low heat and stir continuously until the chocolate is completely melted. If the chocolate becomes too thick, you can add an extra drop of milk to achieve a more fluid consistency.

9. Applying the chocolate
Use a brush to decorate the cookies with melted chocolate. Alternatively, you can dip the cookies halfway into the chocolate and then sprinkle them with colorful decorations. This detail makes each cookie unique, and the decorations add a touch of cheerfulness.

10. Serving
Once the chocolate has hardened, the cookies are ready to be enjoyed! You can serve them alongside a cup of tea or coffee, or even with a glass of milk for a perfect snack.

Useful tips

- Flour: Use type 000 wheat flour (white flour) for finer results. If you want to make them healthier, you can try a combination with whole wheat flour.
- Chocolate: You can experiment with different types of chocolate, such as dark chocolate or white chocolate, to achieve different flavors.
- Decorations: Be creative with the decorations! You can use crushed nuts, coconut flakes, or even colored sugar to add extra charm.
- Variations: For an extra flavor, you can add grated lemon or orange zest to the dough.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, margarine can be used, but the taste and texture may vary. Butter provides a richer flavor.

2. How can I store the cookies?
Keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them fresh for a few days.

3. Can I freeze the cookies?
Yes, the cookies can be frozen. Make sure they are completely cooled before placing them in a freezer bag.

Conclusion

These vanilla cookies decorated with chocolate are not just a simple recipe but also a wonderful way to bring a touch of joy to your home during the holidays. Whether you prepare them for family or to give as a gift, each cookie will bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones. So put on your apron, prepare the ingredients, and let your creativity shine! You will enjoy every moment spent in the kitchen and, especially, every bite of these delights. Enjoy your meal!