Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup finely chopped walnuts
- 1/2 cup finely chopped almonds
- 1/2 cup finely chopped dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup finely chopped dried apricots
- 1/2 cup finely chopped pitted dates
- 1/4 cup finely chopped candied orange peel
- 1/4 cup finely chopped candied lemon peel
Special Equipment Needed:
- Large bowl
- Electric mixer
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, beat butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add egg and vanilla extract and beat until combined.
4. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix until combined.
5. Stir in walnuts, almonds, cranberries, apricots, dates, candied orange peel, and candied lemon peel until combined.
6. Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on prepared baking sheets.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
8. Allow to cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Time:
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Temperature: 350 degrees F
Serving Size: Makes about 2 dozen cookies
Nutritional Information:
Calories: 140 per cookie
Fat: 7g
Carbohydrates: 16g
Protein: 2g
Substitutions for Ingredients
- Butter: Can be substituted with margarine or coconut oil.
- Walnuts: Can be substituted with any other type of nut, such as pecans or almonds.
- Dried cranberries: Can be substituted with raisins or dried cherries.
- Dried apricots: Can be substituted with dried apples or dried pineapple.
- Dates: Can be substituted with dried figs or prunes.
- Candied orange peel: Can be substituted with candied lemon peel.
Variations:
- Add 1/2 cup of white chocolate chips for a sweeter cookie.
- Add 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon or nutmeg for a spiced cookie.
- Add 1/2 cup of shredded coconut for a tropical twist.
Tips and Tricks:
- Make sure to use softened butter, not melted butter, for the best results.
- For a more uniform shape, use a cookie scoop to portion out the dough.
- If the dough is too sticky, chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before rolling into balls.
Storage Instructions:
Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Reheating Instructions:
Reheat cookies in a 350 degree F oven for 5 minutes.
Presentation Ideas:
- Arrange cookies on a platter for a festive presentation.
- Place cookies in a decorative tin or box for a gift.
Garnishes:
- Drizzle with melted white chocolate for a decorative touch.
- Sprinkle with powdered sugar for a snowy effect.
Pairings:
- Serve with a mug of hot cocoa for a cozy treat.
- Enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee for a relaxing snack.
Suggested Side Dishes:
- Serve with a bowl of fresh fruit for a light snack.
- Enjoy with a glass of cold milk or a cup of yogurt.
Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the cookies are too dry, add a few tablespoons of milk to the dough.
- If the cookies are too crumbly, add a few tablespoons of melted butter to the dough.
Food Safety Advice:
- Make sure all ingredients are fresh and not expired.
- Make sure all utensils and equipment are clean and sanitized.
Food History:
Czech Christmas cookies are a traditional holiday treat in the Czech Republic. They are usually served during the Christmas season and are often decorated with festive sprinkles or icing.
Flavor Profiles:
These cookies have a sweet and nutty flavor with hints of dried fruit and citrus.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve as an after-dinner dessert.
- Enjoy as a snack with a cup of coffee or tea.
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Region: Czech