Serpantine Biscuits

Serpentine Cookies – A Twisted Delight

If you are looking for a cookie recipe that brings a touch of creativity and delights your taste buds, serpentine cookies are the perfect choice. These delicate cookies, with a refined appearance and a crunchy texture, are not only a treat for the eyes but also for the palate. I will share my favorite recipe with you, along with useful tips, nutritional information, and a few variations to customize them to your liking.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 15-20 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 24 cookies

Ingredients:

- 200 g margarine (or butter for a richer taste)
- 200 g sugar
- 2 eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 400-450 g flour
- 4 teaspoons cocoa

A bit of history

Serpentine cookies have their roots in pastry tradition, where elaborate shapes and rolling techniques were commonplace. This recipe has evolved over time, transforming into a dessert we can enjoy today. Each piece carries a story, and the combination of colors between the white dough and cocoa provides a pleasant contrast, both visually and in taste.

Step by step:

1. Preparing the margarine: Start by leaving the margarine at room temperature to soften. Then, in a large bowl, cream the margarine with the sugar and vanilla sugar until you achieve a creamy and homogeneous mixture. This process will add a delicious taste and an airy texture to the cookies.

2. Adding the eggs: Incorporate the two eggs, mixing well after each addition. It is important to ensure that the eggs are well integrated into the margarine mixture to avoid lumps.

3. Flour and baking powder: Sift the flour and baking powder together to eliminate any lumps and ensure even distribution of the leavening agent. Add the flour mixture to the bowl and knead the dough well until it becomes homogeneous and elastic. You can gradually add more flour if you feel it is needed.

4. Dividing the dough: Divide the dough into two equal parts. In one part, add the 4 teaspoons of cocoa and knead well until a uniform color is obtained. This step is essential to achieve an intense cocoa dough.

5. Preparing the aluminum foil: Cut two squares of aluminum foil, making sure they are exactly the same size. This will be crucial for obtaining an even roll.

6. Forming the sheets: On one of the squares of foil, place the white dough and roll it out with a rolling pin until you achieve a thin sheet. Do the same with the cocoa dough on the other square of foil.

7. Rolling the dough: Layer the cocoa dough over the white one. Using the aluminum foil, gently roll the dough into a tight log. This step is essential to achieve the characteristic serpentine shapes. Place the roll in the freezer for about 20 minutes to firm up, which will make cutting easier.

8. Cutting the cookies: Once the dough has firmed up, take it out of the freezer and cut it into rounds about 0.7 - 0.8 cm thick. Choose a sharp knife to achieve clean cuts. At this stage, you can already see the beautiful serpentine pattern of the cookies.

9. Preparing for baking: Arrange the rounds on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, making sure to leave enough space between them, as the cookies will expand during baking.

10. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Bake the cookies for 15-20 minutes or until they turn slightly golden. I recommend keeping an eye on them in the last few minutes to avoid burning.

11. Cooling and serving: Once out of the oven, let them cool on a rack. Serpentine cookies are delicious warm, but also cooled, so don’t hesitate to enjoy them in both variations.

Useful tips:

- If you want to add a flavor note, you can replace the vanilla sugar with natural vanilla extract.
- You can experiment with different types of cocoa, such as sweet cocoa or bitter cocoa, depending on your preferences.
- The cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week, but they are so good that you will want to eat them quickly!
- If you like crunchier cookies, you can leave the dough in the oven for a few extra minutes.

Nutritional benefits:

These cookies are a good source of energy due to the carbohydrates from the flour and sugars. They also contain fats from the margarine, which, depending on the type chosen, can be beneficial or not. However, it is best to consume them in moderation, considering the sugar content.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use butter instead of margarine?
Yes, using butter will bring a richer taste to the cookies.

2. Can I add nuts or hazelnuts?
Absolutely! By adding chopped nuts or hazelnuts, you will achieve a crunchy texture and an extra flavor.

3. How can I make the cookies softer?
For softer cookies, you can add a bit of milk to the dough or reduce the baking time by a few minutes.

Serving suggestions:

Serpentine cookies are perfect to be enjoyed alongside a cup of tea or coffee. You can also serve them with vanilla ice cream or a warm chocolate sauce for a decadent dessert.

In conclusion, serpentine cookies are a wonderful choice for any occasion, whether it’s a gathering with friends, a special occasion, or simply a delicious indulgence at home. I hope you enjoy this recipe and that each bite brings a smile to your face! Enjoy your meal!