Winter Biscuits

Winter Cookies

Welcome to the universe of winter flavors! Today, I invite you to discover the recipe for these delicious cookies, which not only bring a touch of joy in every bite but also evoke warm childhood memories. Winter cookies are perfect for the holidays, but also for moments when you want to indulge in something sweet. Let's begin our culinary journey!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 12-14 minutes
Total time: 45-60 minutes
Number of servings: Approximately 30 cookies

Ingredients:
- 300 g flour (spelt or white, depending on preferences)
- 100 g oat flour
- 100 g rice flour
- 20 g coconut flour
- 50 g cocoa butter
- 200 g butter (soft, at room temperature)
- 275 g brown sugar (powdered)
- 1 egg and 2 yolks
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon lemon juice
- A pinch of salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 5 ground cloves
- 3 ground star anise flowers
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- Powdered vanilla
- Rum essence
- Grated orange peel
- Glaze: powdered sugar and pomegranate juice

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by gathering all the ingredients on the table. Make sure the butter is soft by leaving it at room temperature for about an hour before you start cooking. If you don't have cocoa butter, you can use regular butter, but the flavor will be different. Spelt flour is an excellent choice for a richer texture.

2. Melting the cocoa butter: Place the cocoa butter in a heat-resistant bowl and let it melt over a double boiler. This is a gentle technique that allows the butter to melt evenly without burning. If you are not experienced with a double boiler, make sure the water in the pot is not boiling vigorously, but just maintains a constant temperature.

3. Mixing the dry ingredients: Sift the three types of flour (spelt flour, oat flour, and rice flour) into a large bowl. Add the ground coconut, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, star anise, ginger, vanilla, and orange peel. This mixture will give the cookies deep flavors and taste complexity.

4. Combining the wet ingredients: In another bowl, beat the soft butter with the brown sugar until it becomes a fluffy cream. Add the egg and yolks, rum essence, and melted cocoa butter. Mix well until homogeneous. This mixture is the key to fluffy and aromatic cookies.

5. Forming the dough: Gradually incorporate the dry ingredient mixture into the bowl with the wet ingredients, mixing with a spatula or your hands. Knead the dough until it becomes homogeneous, but do not over-knead. Once the dough is formed, wrap it in cling film and refrigerate for 30-45 minutes. This step is essential for achieving cookies with the perfect texture.

6. Shaping the cookies: After the dough has firmed up, sprinkle a little flour on the work surface and roll out the dough into a thick sheet of about 5 mm. Use cling film to prevent the dough from sticking to the rolling pin. Choose your favorite cookie shapes: mushrooms, hearts, bears, trees, butterflies, or bunnies. This moment is an opportunity to explore creativity, so feel free to be playful!

7. Baking the cookies: Place the cut cookies on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Bake them in a preheated oven at 180 degrees Celsius for 12-14 minutes or until the edges turn slightly golden. It is important not to let them brown too much, as they will continue to bake after being taken out of the oven.

8. Glazing the cookies: Once the cookies have cooled, prepare the glaze by mixing powdered sugar with pomegranate juice until you achieve a fluid consistency. You can glaze each cookie or just a few, depending on your preferences. The glaze adds a touch of freshness and a vibrant color, perfect for the holidays.

9. Serving and storing: Winter cookies are delicious both warm and cold. Serve them alongside a cup of fragrant tea or hot chocolate for a truly comforting experience. Store the cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh and preserve their aroma.

10. Variations and tips: You can experiment with different types of flour or add ingredients like ground nuts, raisins, or chocolate. Also, if you want an even more intense flavor, try adding a little instant coffee to the mixture.

Nutritional benefits: These cookies are not only delicious but also nutritious. Oat flour and spelt flour provide fiber and protein, while spices like cinnamon and ginger are known for their anti-inflammatory properties. Brown sugar adds a more complex taste and is a healthier alternative to white sugar.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use other types of flour? Yes, you can experiment with almond flour or whole wheat flour, but keep in mind that the texture of the cookies will change.
- How can I make the cookies less sweet? Reduce the amount of brown sugar by 50 g and add more spices to compensate.
- Is this recipe vegan? You can replace the butter with a plant-based alternative and the egg with a binding ingredient like apple puree or flaxseeds.

Now that you have gone through each step of the recipe, you are ready to bring the magic of winter into your kitchen! Winter cookies are not just a recipe, but an opportunity to create memories with loved ones. Happy cooking!