Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg yolk
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
Special equipment needed:
- Stand mixer or hand mixer
- Piping bag with star tip
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy.
3. Add the egg yolk and mix until well combined.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until a dough forms.
6. Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a star tip.
7. Pipe the dough into S-shaped cookies onto the prepared baking sheet.
8. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
9. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Once cooled, dust the cookies with powdered sugar.
Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 12-15 minutes
Temperature:
350°F (180°C)
Serving size:
Makes approximately 24 cookies
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 130
Total fat: 8g
Saturated fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 30mg
Sodium: 30mg
Total carbohydrates: 14g
Dietary fiber: 0g
Sugar: 6g
Protein: 1g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Salted butter can be used instead of unsalted butter, but omit the salt in the recipe.
- Brown sugar can be used instead of granulated sugar for a slightly different flavor.
- Nutmeg or cardamom can be used instead of cinnamon for a different spice flavor.
Variations:
- Add chopped nuts, such as pecans or almonds, to the dough for added texture.
- Dip the cooled cookies in melted chocolate for a decadent treat.
- Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the dough for a subtle vanilla flavor.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature before creaming it with the sugar.
- Use a star tip for piping the dough to achieve the traditional S-shape of semprits.
- Dust the cookies with powdered sugar while they are still slightly warm for the best adhesion.
Storage instructions:
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
Reheating instructions:
The cookies can be reheated in a 350°F (180°C) oven for 5-7 minutes to crisp them up again.
Presentation ideas:
Arrange the cookies on a platter and dust with additional powdered sugar for a festive presentation.
Garnishes:
Sprinkle chopped nuts or cinnamon on top of the powdered sugar for added flavor and texture.
Pairings:
Serve the cookies with a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy treat.
Suggested side dishes:
These cookies are perfect on their own, but can also be served with fresh fruit or a cheese plate for a more substantial snack.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the dough is too soft to pipe, refrigerate it for 10-15 minutes to firm it up.
- If the cookies spread too much during baking, refrigerate the piped dough for 10-15 minutes before baking.
Food safety advice:
Make sure to wash your hands and all utensils before and after handling the dough to prevent contamination.
Food history:
Semprits are a traditional Latvian cookie that are often served during the Christmas season.
Flavor profiles:
These cookies have a buttery, cinnamon flavor with a delicate, crumbly texture.
Serving suggestions:
Serve these cookies as a sweet treat during the holiday season or as a snack any time of year.
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Taste: Sweet, Spicy, Cinnamon, Crunchy, Cinnamon-Y