Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/2 cup finely chopped almonds
- 1/2 cup finely chopped walnuts
- 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup finely chopped dried cherries
- 1/2 cup finely chopped dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup finely chopped dried apricots
- 1/2 cup finely chopped dried pineapple
- 1/2 cup finely chopped dates
- 1/2 cup finely chopped figs
- 1/2 cup finely chopped raisins
- 1/2 cup finely chopped prunes
Special Equipment Needed:
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Stand mixer
- Spatula
- Rolling pin
- Cookie cutters
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In the bowl of a stand mixer, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add the eggs, one at a time, and mix until combined.
5. Add the vanilla and almond extracts and mix until combined.
6. Add the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
7. Add the chopped nuts, dried fruits, and mix until just combined.
8. Divide the dough into two equal parts and shape each into a disk.
9. Place one disk of dough between two sheets of parchment paper and roll out to 1/4-inch thickness.
10. Cut out shapes with cookie cutters and place on prepared baking sheets.
11. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until lightly golden.
12. Allow cookies to cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Time:
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Temperature: 350°F
Serving Size: 24 cookies
Nutritional Information (per cookie):
Calories: 130
Fat: 7 g
Carbohydrates: 15 g
Protein: 2 g
Substitutions for Ingredients:
- Butter: margarine or coconut oil
- Nuts: any combination of chopped nuts or seeds
- Dried fruits: any combination of chopped dried fruits
Variations:
- Add 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon or nutmeg for a spiced version
- Add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips for a chocolate version
- Add 1/4 cup of cocoa powder for a chocolate version
Tips and Tricks:
- Make sure the butter is softened before creaming with the sugar
- Roll the dough between two sheets of parchment paper to prevent sticking
- Use a sharp cookie cutter for clean edges
Storage Instructions:
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Reheating Instructions:
Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes.
Presentation Ideas:
- Place cookies on a platter and garnish with fresh fruit
- Place cookies in a decorative tin or box
- Place cookies in a cellophane bag and tie with a ribbon
Garnishes:
- Fresh fruit
- Powdered sugar
- Chocolate chips
- Sprinkles
Pairings:
- Milk
- Coffee
- Tea
- Hot cocoa
Suggested Side Dishes:
- Fruit salad
- Yogurt parfait
- Smoothie
Troubleshooting Advice:
- Make sure the butter is softened before creaming with the sugar
- Make sure the dough is rolled out evenly
- Make sure the cookie cutters are sharp
Food Safety Advice:
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature
- Do not leave out at room temperature for more than 2 hours
- Do not consume if the cookies have been left out for more than 2 hours
Food History:
Galletas del Carmen are traditional Mexican sugar cookies that are believed to have originated in the state of Oaxaca. They are usually served during special occasions such as weddings, birthdays, and baptisms.
Flavor Profiles:
These cookies have a sweet, buttery flavor with hints of almond and vanilla. The combination of nuts and dried fruits adds a subtle nutty and fruity flavor.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a cup of hot cocoa or tea
- Serve as an after-dinner dessert
- Serve as a snack with a glass of milk
Related Categories
Cooking Method: N/A
Course Type: N/A
Dietary: N/A
Ingredient: N/A
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Occassion: N/A
Region: Spanish
Taste: Sweet, Buttery, Nutty, Cinnamon, Cinnamon-Spiced