Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons orange zest
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
Special equipment needed:
- Stand mixer or hand mixer
- Piping bag with star tip
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add the egg yolk and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
5. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.
6. Add the orange zest and orange juice, and mix until the dough comes together.
7. Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a star tip.
8. Pipe the dough into S-shaped cookies onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
9. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
10. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
11. Once the cookies are cool, dust them 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: 140
Fat: 8g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 1g
Sodium: 30mg
Sugar: 6g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Salted butter can be used instead of unsalted butter, but omit the salt in the recipe.
- Lemon zest and lemon juice can be used instead of orange zest and orange juice.
Variations:
- Add chopped nuts, such as almonds or pecans, to the dough for added texture.
- Dip the cooled cookies in melted chocolate for a decadent treat.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature before beginning the recipe.
- Use a star tip for piping the dough to create the classic S-shape of semprits.
- Dust the cookies with powdered sugar while they are still warm for better adherence.
Storage instructions:
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Reheating instructions:
The cookies do not need to be reheated.
Presentation ideas:
Arrange the cookies on a platter or in a decorative tin for a beautiful presentation.
Garnishes:
Garnish with a slice of fresh orange or a sprig of mint for added color and flavor.
Pairings:
Serve the cookies with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a cozy treat.
Suggested side dishes:
No side dishes needed.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the dough is too soft to pipe, refrigerate it for 10-15 minutes before piping.
- If the cookies spread too much during baking, the dough may have been too warm. Refrigerate the dough for 10-15 minutes before piping.
Food safety advice:
Make sure to use fresh ingredients and wash your hands and equipment thoroughly before beginning the recipe.
Food history:
Semprits are a traditional Latvian cookie that are often served during the Christmas season.
Flavor profiles:
These cookies have a buttery, citrusy flavor with a delicate crumbly texture.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the cookies as a sweet treat after a meal or as a snack with a cup of tea or coffee.
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