Hearts with nuts and orange

Heart-shaped cookies with nuts and orange: a quick and delicious dessert

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooling time: 1 hour
Baking time: 10-11 minutes
Total: 1 hour 40 minutes
Number of servings: Approximately 40 hearts

When it comes to desserts, heart-shaped cookies with nuts and orange are a true delight that brings a smile to anyone's face. These tender cookies, with a subtle orange flavor and a crunchy texture thanks to the nuts, are perfect to enjoy alongside a cup of tea or coffee. They may even remind you of moments spent with loved ones, wrapped in the warmth of your culinary haven.

The history of this recipe is closely linked to sweet traditions, where citrus flavors enriched desserts, giving them a refreshing note. Over time, nut recipes have been passed down from generation to generation, each adding a personal touch, and today we present you with a delightful version, perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients:

*For the dough:*
- 125 g butter at room temperature
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- A pinch of salt
- Zest of 1 orange
- Juice of 1/2 orange (approximately 50 ml)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 100 g assorted ground nuts (walnuts, hazelnuts, cashews, and almonds are excellent)
- 150 g flour + 50 g for kneading

*For the glaze:*
- Juice from the other half of the orange (approximately 50 ml)
- Powdered sugar (approximately 150 g, but you can adjust according to preferences)
- A few drops of red food coloring (optional, for a festive look)

Step by step in making heart-shaped cookies with nuts and orange:

1. Preparing the dough
Start by placing the softened butter in a large bowl. Add the sugar, salt, and orange zest, mixing well with a spatula or using a hand mixer. This combination will create a flavorful base that will give your cookies a special taste.

2. Adding wet ingredients
Reactivate the baking powder with the orange juice and add it to the butter mixture. This will activate fermentation, making the cookies fluffier. Mix well until homogeneous.

3. Incorporating the nuts
Fold the ground nuts into the mixture. They not only add a wonderful flavor but also contribute to the crunchy texture of your hearts. You can use a combination of nuts, adapting the recipe to your personal preferences.

4. Adding the flour
Begin to gradually add the flour, mixing with a spatula or your hands. It is essential not to overmix to maintain the light texture of the dough. Continue adding flour until the dough becomes homogeneous and no longer sticks to your hands.

5. Chilling the dough
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for one hour. This step is important to firm up the dough, making it easier to roll out and cut later.

6. Cutting the shapes
Once the dough has chilled, take it out of the refrigerator and let it sit for a few minutes at room temperature to become easier to handle. Divide the dough into two equal parts. On a floured work surface, roll out each part with a rolling pin until it reaches a thickness of about 5 mm. Using a heart-shaped cutter, cut out hearts from the dough.

7. Baking
Place the cut-out hearts on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Preheat the oven to 170 degrees Celsius and bake the hearts for 10-11 minutes or until they are lightly golden around the edges. After baking, let them cool on a board covered with a paper towel.

8. Preparing the glaze
In a small bowl, combine the powdered sugar with the orange juice until you achieve a smooth paste. If desired, you can add a few drops of red food coloring for a visually appealing effect. This will give your hearts a playful look.

9. Glazing
Using a spatula or a pastry brush, coat each heart with the orange glaze. Allow them to set for a few minutes before enjoying.

Serving suggestions and variations:

Heart-shaped cookies with nuts and orange are excellent served warm, but they can also be stored for a few days in an airtight container. You can pair them with a cup of Earl Grey tea or a frothy cappuccino. Additionally, you can try adding some chocolate chips or dried fruits to customize them to your taste.

Frequently asked questions:

1. *Can I use other types of nuts?*
Certainly! You can experiment with any type of nuts you prefer, such as pistachios or pecans, to give a different flavor.

2. *What are the nutritional benefits of these cookies?*
Nuts are rich in essential fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals, contributing to heart health and maintaining healthy skin. Additionally, oranges provide a considerable amount of vitamin C.

3. *How can I keep the hearts fresh?*
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Avoid moisture to keep them crunchy.

Remember that cooking is an art, and like any artist, you are free to put your personal touch on your recipes. These heart-shaped cookies with nuts and orange will not only sweeten your days but will also bring a touch of love in every bite. So put on your apron, prepare the ingredients, and enjoy this culinary adventure!