Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup water
Special equipment needed:
- Stand mixer or hand mixer
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Rolling pin
- 2-inch round cookie cutter
- Pastry brush
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add the egg, orange zest, vanilla extract, and salt to the bowl and mix until well combined.
4. Gradually add the flour to the bowl, mixing until a dough forms.
5. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to 1/4 inch thickness.
6. Use a 2-inch round cookie cutter to cut out circles from the dough and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
7. Bake the cookies for 12-15 minutes, or until lightly golden brown.
8. While the cookies are baking, prepare the glaze by combining the orange juice, granulated sugar, and water in a small saucepan over medium heat.
9. Cook the glaze, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture has thickened slightly.
10. Remove the glaze from the heat and set aside.
11. Once the cookies are done baking, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool for 5 minutes.
12. Using a pastry brush, brush the glaze onto the warm cookies, making sure to coat them evenly.
13. Allow the cookies to cool completely before serving.
Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Temperature:
Oven temperature: 350°F (175°C)
Serving size:
This recipe makes approximately 24 cookies.
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 120
Total fat: 6g
Saturated fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 25mg
Sodium: 30mg
Total carbohydrates: 16g
Dietary fiber: 0g
Sugar: 9g
Protein: 1g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Orange zest can be substituted with lemon zest or lime zest.
- Vanilla extract can be substituted with almond extract or coconut extract.
- All-purpose flour can be substituted with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version of the recipe.
Variations:
- Add 1/2 cup of chopped nuts, such as pecans or almonds, to the dough for added texture and flavor.
- Use different citrus fruits, such as grapefruit or blood oranges, for a different flavor profile.
- Dip the cookies in melted chocolate for an extra indulgent treat.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the butter is softened before creaming it with the powdered sugar to ensure a smooth dough.
- Chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before rolling it out to make it easier to handle.
- Use a pastry brush to apply the glaze to the cookies for a more even coating.
Storage instructions:
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Reheating instructions:
These cookies are best served at room temperature and do not need to be reheated.
Presentation ideas:
Arrange the cookies on a platter and dust them with powdered sugar for a simple yet elegant presentation.
Garnishes:
Garnish the cookies with a small piece of candied orange peel or a sprinkle of chopped nuts for added texture and flavor.
Pairings:
Serve these cookies with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon treat.
Suggested side dishes:
These cookies are a sweet treat on their own and do not require any additional side dishes.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the dough is too dry, add a tablespoon of orange juice at a time until it comes together.
- If the glaze is too thick, add a tablespoon of water at a time until it reaches the desired consistency.
Food safety advice:
Make sure to wash your hands and all equipment thoroughly before and after handling food to prevent the spread of bacteria.
Food history:
Cascarones are a traditional Mexican Easter treat made from hollowed-out eggshells filled with confetti. This recipe puts a twist on the classic cascarones by using a cookie dough base and adding orange and vanilla flavors.
Flavor profiles:
These cookies have a buttery, slightly sweet flavor with a hint of orange and vanilla.
Serving suggestions:
Serve these cookies as a sweet treat for Easter or any special occasion.
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Region: Mexican