Watermelon slices cookies

Cookies in the shape of watermelon slices

If you are looking for a cookie recipe that impresses both in appearance and taste, you have come to the right place! These cookies shaped like watermelon slices are not only delicious but also a true culinary work of art. Their aroma will fill your home with scents of vanilla and caramel, while the vibrant colors will bring a touch of joy to any table.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: approximately 25 cookies

Ingredients:

- 300 g lard
- 300 g granulated sugar (or powdered sugar for a finer result)
- 2 eggs
- 1 tablespoon vinegar
- A pinch of salt
- 1 vanilla essence
- Approximately 600 g flour (adjustable based on dough consistency)
- Beet juice (for red coloring)
- Spinach juice (for green coloring)
- Caraway seeds (for "seeds")

Recipe history

Watermelon-shaped cookies have a fascinating history, being a symbol of spring and summer in many cultures. These sweet delicacies are often associated with family gatherings and holidays, serving as a creative way to bring joy to festive tables. It is a recipe that has been passed down through generations, with each housewife adding her personal touch.

Step-by-step preparation

1. Preparing the dough: In a large bowl, add the melted lard and sugar. Use a mixer or spatula to mix the ingredients well until you achieve a creamy mixture. This is the base of your cookies, so make sure everything is well integrated!

2. Add the eggs: Incorporate the two eggs, mixing continuously until they become an integral part of the mixture. The eggs will provide a soft and moist texture to your cookies.

3. Season the dough: Add a tablespoon of vinegar and the vanilla essence. If desired, you can also add grated lemon zest for an extra flavor. Mix everything well.

4. Including the flour: Start adding the flour gradually, along with a pinch of salt. Here, it is important to adjust the amount of flour to achieve a firm but not too dry dough. Knead the dough until it becomes smooth and homogeneous.

5. Chilling the dough: Once the dough is ready, cover it with plastic wrap and let it rest in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. This step is essential for achieving finer cookies, as it allows the gluten to relax.

Coloring the dough

After the dough has chilled, divide it into three parts.

- Red color: This will be the largest portion, which you will color with beet juice. You can achieve a vibrant shade by gradually adding the beet juice.

- Green color: The second portion will be colored with spinach juice. This will provide a fresh and pleasant hue.

- White color: The third remains white, perfect for creating the desired contrast.

Shaping the cookies

1. Rolling out the dough: On the work surface, lay out a sheet of plastic wrap and sprinkle a little flour. Roll out the green dough into a not too thin sheet, then repeat the process with the white dough.

2. Assembling: Using the plastic wrap, place the white sheet over the green one. Gently press with your palms to unite them. Then form a roll with the red dough, which will be the "seed" of the watermelon.

3. Rolling: With the help of the plastic wrap, gently roll the green and white dough around the red roll, being careful not to overlap the edges. Make sure everything is well compacted.

4. Cutting: Unwrap the plastic and with a very sharp knife, cut slices about 1 cm thick. This way, you will obtain cookies in the shape of watermelon slices.

5. Adding the seeds: Here comes the fun part! Place caraway seeds on the edge of each slice to mimic the watermelon seeds. This step can be meticulous, but the final result will be worth the effort.

Baking

1. Prepare the tray: Arrange the cookies on a floured tray. Make sure they are spaced out to allow for expansion.

2. Oven: Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius (medium heat). Bake the cookies for about 20 minutes, being careful not to let them brown too much. The colors should remain vibrant!

Serving and variations

After the cookies are done, let them cool on a rack. These cookies are not just a treat to enjoy, but also a real attraction on festive tables. You can serve them alongside iced tea or a natural fruit juice to complete the culinary experience.

Variations: If you want to experiment, you can try using commercial food colorings or adding other ingredients like chocolate or chopped nuts.

Nutritional benefits

The cookies contain simple ingredients, and using lard gives them a rich texture, while the eggs contribute to the protein intake. Flour, although a source of carbohydrates, can be replaced with whole wheat flour for a healthier option.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I use margarine instead of lard?
Yes, but the texture and flavor will be slightly different. Lard provides a richer flavor profile.

- How can I store the cookies?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

- Can I freeze the cookies?
Yes, you can freeze them before baking. Place them on a tray, put them in the freezer until solid, then transfer them to an airtight container.

These watermelon slice cookies are more than just a simple dessert; they are an explosion of color and flavor, perfect for bringing smiles to the faces of your loved ones. So put on your apron, gather the ingredients, and let’s start the culinary adventure!