Piped biscuits

Piped Cookies: A Crunchy and Flavorful Delight

Piped cookies are a perfect choice for any occasion, from a simple afternoon snack to the ideal dessert for a party or a gathering with friends. This classic recipe will quickly become your favorite, thanks to their crunchy texture and delicious flavors. Get ready to impress your family and friends with these wonderfully easy-to-make cookies!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 10-15 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Number of servings: Approximately 40 cookies

Ingredients

- 4 large eggs
- 300 g of sugar
- 3 tablespoons of oil
- 3 tablespoons of sour cream
- 1 teaspoon of baking soda or baking powder
- A pinch of salt
- Zest of one lemon or vanilla essence (to taste)
- 1 kg of flour
- 300 g of margarine or 280 g of shortening
- Oil for greasing the trays

A Bit of History

Piped cookies have a rich tradition in global cuisine, often made in various forms in households around the world. These cookies are not only delicious but also extremely versatile, allowing cooks to experiment with flavors and textures. It's easy to see why they have stood the test of time!

Step by Step: Making the Cookies

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Start by gathering all ingredients at room temperature. Ensure the eggs and margarine are at room temperature for better incorporation.

2. Mixing Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat the eggs with the sugar using an electric mixer until the mixture becomes fluffy and light in color. This process is essential for achieving airy cookies. Add the oil and sour cream, continuing to mix.

3. Incorporating Flavors: Add the lemon zest or vanilla essence for an extra flavor boost. If desired, you can also add cocoa to half of the mixture to make chocolate cookies.

4. Adding Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. It’s important to sift the flour to avoid lumps. Begin to incorporate the flour mixture into the egg mixture, stirring with a spatula or wooden spoon until everything is well combined. If the mixture is too soft, you can gradually add a bit more flour.

5. Preparing the Piping Machine: Attach the special cookie shape to the piping machine. If using a manual machine, ensure you have the correct shape number.

6. Forming the Cookies: Fill the machine's container with the prepared mixture and gently press to start forming the cookies. Place them on trays lined with baking paper or lightly greased, making sure to leave enough space between them as they will expand while baking.

7. Preheating the Oven: Preheat the oven to 180°C. It’s important to have the oven well heated before introducing the cookies to achieve even baking.

8. Baking: Bake the cookies for 10-15 minutes or until they turn golden. You can check them more frequently in the last minutes, as every oven is different.

9. Cooling the Cookies: Once the cookies are ready, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes on the tray. Use a thin-bladed knife to gently detach them from the tray, then transfer them to a rack to cool completely.

Practical Tips

- Cocoa Variation: If you choose to add cocoa, try to use high-quality cocoa to maximize the cookies' flavor.
- Storage: Piped cookies store well in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. You can also share them as gifts, making them an excellent choice for friends who appreciate homemade sweets!
- Serving Suggestions: These cookies are delicious alongside a cup of flavored tea or coffee. You can also serve them with a scoop of ice cream or vanilla cream for a more extravagant dessert.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use whole wheat flour?: Yes, you can replace part of the white flour with whole wheat flour, but the cookies may become denser.
- Can I use another type of fat?: Of course, you can use butter instead of margarine, but make sure it’s at room temperature for proper incorporation.
- Can a gluten-free version be made?: You can use gluten-free flour, but the texture and taste may vary. Make sure to follow the instructions on the gluten-free flour packaging.

Nutritional Benefits

Piped cookies are a source of carbohydrates, providing quick energy. The eggs bring protein, while the sour cream contributes healthy fats. Adding lemon zest not only enhances flavor but also provides antioxidants, benefiting health.

Conclusion

Piped cookies are not just a treat, but also an opportunity to express your creativity in the kitchen. Whether you prepare them for a special occasion or simply to indulge yourself, these cookies will bring a smile to anyone's face. So, put on your apron, gather the ingredients, and let the magic of cooking take over!