Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp ground cardamom
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup chopped pistachios (optional)
Special equipment needed:
- Mixing bowl
- Electric mixer
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add the vegetable oil and eggs, one at a time, and mix until well combined.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cardamom, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
6. Roll the dough into small balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie.
7. Press down on each cookie with the back of a fork to flatten them slightly.
8. Sprinkle chopped pistachios on top of each cookie, if desired.
9. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are golden brown.
10. Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 12-15 minutes
Temperature:
350°F (180°C)
Serving size:
Makes approximately 24 cookies
Nutritional information:
Per serving (1 cookie):
- Calories: 140
- Total Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
- Sodium: 65mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 16g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 8g
- Protein: 2g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use salted butter instead of unsalted butter, but reduce the amount of salt in the recipe to 1/4 tsp.
- You can use any type of nut instead of pistachios, or omit them altogether.
Variations:
- Add 1/2 cup of shredded coconut to the dough for a tropical twist.
- Substitute the cardamom with cinnamon or nutmeg for a different flavor.
- Dip the cooled cookies in melted chocolate for an extra indulgent treat.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the butter is softened before creaming it with the sugar to ensure a smooth and even mixture.
- Don't overmix the dough once the dry ingredients are added, as this can result in tough cookies.
- If the dough is too sticky to handle, refrigerate it for 30 minutes before rolling into balls.
Storage instructions:
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Reheating instructions:
These cookies are best served at room temperature, but you can warm them up in the microwave for a few seconds if desired.
Presentation ideas:
Arrange the cookies on a platter and sprinkle with powdered sugar for a festive touch.
Garnishes:
Sprinkle chopped pistachios on top of each cookie before baking for added texture and flavor.
Pairings:
Serve these cookies with a cup of tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon treat.
Suggested side dishes:
These cookies are perfect on their own, but you can serve them with fresh fruit or a cheese plate for a more substantial snack.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the cookies are spreading too much during baking, refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
- If the cookies are too dry, add a tablespoon of milk to the dough to moisten it.
Food safety advice:
Make sure to wash your hands and all utensils before preparing the dough to prevent the spread of bacteria.
Food history:
Cardamom is a popular spice in Afghan cuisine, and is often used in sweet dishes like these cookies.
Flavor profiles:
These cookies have a delicate sweetness and a warm, aromatic flavor from the cardamom.
Serving suggestions:
Serve these cookies on a platter with a pot of tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon treat.
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Region: Afghan