Christmas Cookies

Christmas Cookies - A Magical Delicacy

Total preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 15 minutes
Number of servings: Approximately 30 cookies

When we think of the holidays, the warm aroma of freshly baked cookies fills our hearts with joy. Christmas cookies are more than just a simple delicacy; they symbolize family traditions and moments spent together. These cookies are delicate, with a slightly crunchy exterior and a soft interior, while the aroma of citrus and rum adds a touch of magic to every bite. Let's discover together how to prepare them!

Ingredients:
- 200 g margarine (or butter for a richer flavor)
- 300 g sugar
- 3 egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon of rum essence
- Zest of 1 orange
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Flour as needed (approximately 400 g)
- 3 tablespoons of milk
- 1/2 packet of baking powder

Preparation:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Make sure the margarine is at room temperature so that it mixes easily with the sugar. If you choose to use butter, the flavor will be richer, but margarine is a lighter option. The orange and lemon zest provide a fresh taste, so don’t skip this important step.

2. Mixing margarine with sugar: In a large bowl, add the margarine and sugar. Use an electric mixer or a spatula to mix the ingredients until the mixture becomes creamy and fluffy. This step is essential for airy cookies.

3. Adding the egg yolks: Add the 3 egg yolks, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This helps incorporate air into the dough, giving them a slightly fluffy texture.

4. Including the flavors: Add the rum essence, orange zest, and lemon zest. Here you can play with the flavors; if you like a more intense taste, you can add a bit more rum essence.

5. Preparing the dough: In another bowl, combine the flour with the baking powder. Start gradually adding the flour mixture to the wet composition, alternating with the 3 tablespoons of milk. Mix gently with a spatula until a homogeneous dough forms. Be careful not to overmix, or the cookies will become too elastic.

6. Kneading the dough: Once the dough is formed, transfer it to a lightly floured work surface and knead it gently to make it more homogeneous. If the dough is too sticky, you can add a little flour, but don’t overdo it.

7. Rolling out the dough: Use a rolling pin to roll out the dough into a sheet about 5 mm thick. This is the ideal thickness for achieving cookies that are crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside.

8. Cutting out the cookies: Use cookie cutters or a knife to cut the dough into various shapes: stars, Christmas trees, or circles. This is a fun activity, especially if you have children!

9. Preparing the tray: Place the cookies on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. You can brush the tops of the cookies with beaten egg to make them shine and enhance their appearance.

10. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C and bake the cookies for 10-15 minutes, or until they turn golden. Pay attention to the baking time, as each oven is different. The cookies are ready when the edges become slightly golden.

11. Cooling: Once the cookies are baked, let them cool on a rack. This will allow air to circulate and prevent steam from forming, which can make them soft.

Practical tip: I recommend storing the cookies in airtight containers to maintain their freshness. You can also decorate them with sugar glaze or melted chocolate for a touch of elegance.

Possible variations:
- Nut cookies: Add 100 g of ground nuts to the dough for a crunchy texture.
- Chocolate cookies: Replace some of the flour with cocoa powder and add chocolate chips for a decadent taste.
- Spiced cookies: Add cinnamon or ginger to give them a warm and comforting aroma.

Nutritional benefits:
These cookies, although sweet, can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Margarine or butter provides healthy fats, while eggs offer protein. Whole wheat flour can be a healthier and fiber-rich alternative if you want to improve the nutritional profile of the recipe.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use oil instead of margarine? Yes, but the texture and taste will be different. Oil makes the cookies softer.
- How can I preserve them longer? Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. If you freeze them, make sure they are well wrapped.
- Is it possible to make them without sugar? You can use natural sweeteners, but the result will differ in texture and taste.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that’s left is to get cooking! Christmas cookies are perfect for enjoying alongside a cup of hot chocolate or a fragrant tea, turning every moment into a true celebration. I wish you much success and delicious moments with your loved ones!