If you are someone who takes an interest in the subject of cookies, not just consuming them but also enjoying learning about them, this article is meant for you. Interesting and filled with hacks so you can bake the best batch of cookies, you have to read on. Today we have decided to talk about the origin of Spanish cookies! These are indeed marvelous creations that all of us are fans of. Here are also tips you can follow, you make no mistakes while baking them. Let's go!
Origin of Spanish cookies_a small guide
Did you hear about almond polvorón? Well, if you live in Spain then you must have! Then there is mantecado and so on! The options are simply endless! The names might seem daunting but the recipes are pretty simple so you can easily make them at home. The wide variety of cookies in Spain is its specialty and they are a transition between sweet and savory. Americans and people from other parts of the world are about to encounter a surprising event with this article that we have penned down for you. And the best part is, their flavor and texture make them ideal to munch on during other holidays. The perfect companion to go with a cup of tea.
The pantry ingredients that you need for the Spanish version of cookies are pretty cheap and nothing too elaborate and fancy. There are citrus, ground nuts and so many things that go into these Spanish cookie recipes. Dairy products are seldom involved and you will notice that fat is used in the form of lard or olive oil. These Spanish cookies can hence be stored for a long time without having to worry about the shelf-life.
The Moors who occupied the Iberian Peninsula for almost seven centuries were responsible for the creation of so many kinds of desserts and sweet dishes. Honey has always been the common sweetening agent in Iberia but around the 10th century, the Moors brought the concept of sugarcane to this region. The crop not only gave a boost to the economy of the region but also refined the culinary culture.
These days, however, the variety of cookies in Spain has emulated ideas from different parts of the world! This encourages a blend of culinary cultures around the world. Although, after the Catholic monarch came to rule, they subdued the culinary culture of the Jews and the Moors they were still allowed to thrive by the nuns. Nowadays, from Scottish to American versions, all kinds are present in Spain in terms of cookies, but the sense of authenticity always stands out. Different parts of Spain have come up with their unique version of cookies and if you are wondering how to make them, we have listed them below for you.
If we begin to describe the number of Spanish cookies, the options will be endless, but right now there is much more to learn before we explore the recipes.
Common mistakes that you can avoid while baking cookies
Here are some of the common problems that you can use and some troubleshooting steps too!
1. If your cookies do not bake evenly- heat is not evenly distributed inside the oven and as a result, while some parts of the cookies remain soft and underbaked, the rest might turn out too burnt and hard. The best way to avoid such a situation is to rotate the tray halfway through the process.
2. Always keep an oven thermometer handy- if you are baking a batch of cookies and leave the oven on while preheating then the usual situation is that the oven will not be as hot as it shows. The temperature will always be ten degrees low or more. To ensure that you bake at the ideal temperature, you need to use an oven thermometer to keep an account of the ideal temperature for effective baking.
3. Never use eggs directly from the fridge- if you use your eggs cold then it might happen that the purpose of using eggs is completely defeated. Ensure that you remove the eggs from the refrigerator about an hour before you begin to mix the ingredients. Eggs are used as a levitating agent to make your cookies light and fluffy. Cold eggs are of no good use.
4. Do not use the wrong kind of flour- flour should be exactly of the variety which is mentioned in the recipe. Every cookie recipe is different and you must use the one which is mentioned in the instructions. The texture of the cookies can be impacted if you alter the kind of flour mentioned. If you do not want that, then get the right kind from the supermarket.
5. When you make the mistake of measuring the ingredients wrong- you can not imagine how damaging that shall be to the texture of the cookies! Even with the slightest change in the value of ingredients and the quantity that you must add, the recipe will simply go down the drain. You definitely do not want your efforts to go to waste! If so, then you must have a measuring cup or spoon handy as you bake your batch of cookies.
6. You need to soften the butter but not too much- do not bring out the butter from the refrigerator and start baking! Instead, you should allow it to first reach room temperature so the butter can easily be blended but not too liquid such that the taste of the cookies is completely spoiled. You can soften your butter in the oven but not too much that it is unable to hold any air in it. Hence we recommend that the best technique is to soften the butter at room temperature for fifteen to thirty minutes and then cream your butter and sugar well.
7. Using stale baking powder or soda- when you are using baking powder and soda as a levitating agent for baking your cookies one thing must be kept in mind! Check the dates of expiration before you add them to the content of the mixture. It is always wise to be sure that the baking powder is fresh and if you can not check the dates if it got destroyed or erased then we would recommend you buy a new box for safety. Efforts must also be made that you should not overmix the dough or the air will escape and the starch will get activated before baking begins.
Delicious Spanish Cookies: Bake the Best Spanish Cookies at Home
1. Dulce De leche butter cookies
Sprinkled with an abundance of sugar dust, the recipe for Dulce De Leche is incredible! Crumbly and crunchy, you will surely enjoy the experience of making this cookie of Spanish origin. So what are you waiting for? Make it today!
2. Mexican Cinnamon cookies
Did you try out the Mexican cinnamon cookies before? If you did not, then you definitely should! Creamy and flavorful, the cookies are a perfect crunchy treat during the holidays. Tell us how these turn out to be. Shall we then?
3. Biscochitos
The cinnamon essenced cookies with a warm drizzle of sugar make them the best sweet treats during the holidays. If you haven't tried baking for a long time then you know exactly which one to pick. Even the kids are going to love this one.
4. Churros cookies
Wait, are you telling us this is your first time making churros cookies? Then what are you waiting for? We can guarantee you that you are majorly missing out on something so exotic with never trying out churros cookies before. Make it and tell us how these were!
5. Mexican Pan de Polvo
Well, you can never run out of ideas with such authentic cookies waiting for you. Delectable and crunchy, you can serve these with milk to the little ones for breakfast. They will be delighted with the treat!
6. Salted crinkle brownie cookies
All you need are a couple of minutes to prepare this fudgy treat! Loaded with chocolate chips, this is indeed the most gorgeous combination of brownies and cookies that one can indulge in. So let's get started, shall we?
7. Guava cream cheese cookies
Here is another recipe that we are sure you will find fascinating! The guava jelly in the middle makes them even more tempting and lovely. Packed with cream cheese, there is simply no comparison. You are surely going to thank us later for the idea! We will be waiting to hear from you.
8. Mexican wedding cookies
Mexican wedding cookies are not only a traditional choice but also a great source of temptation for cookie lovers. Filled with nut crumbs, there is a reason why they are made during weddings.
9. Polvorones
The traditional Polvorones are fascinating and you should definitely try them out! Devoid of dairy products, you will not only find it tasty but also a great choice for vegan dieters. Let's not waste a minute and make them already!
10. Spanish cookies
This is a Spanish version of the sandwiched cookies that you can try out during the holidays. Seasoned with pistachio, you must give it a try. Filled with creamy icing, this will be love at first sight! Serve it with tea during the evening.
11. Cinnamon cookies( Polvorones De canele)
Nothing is as comforting and warm as a fresh batch of cinnamon cookies served with tea in the evening! The guests will surely appreciate your efforts and no wonder they might end up asking for more. Refreshing and crunchy in every bite.
12. Alfajores ( dulce De leche sandwich cookies )
Tender, crumbly and rich, the traditional dulce De leche sandwich is one of the most delectable of all! Served with a thick layer of jelly in the middle, the cookies turn out to be too good. Shall we try it then?
13. Pan De Polvo( Mexican shortbread)
Here is another fantastic Spanish cookie recipe that you must try out! Delectable and crumbly, the Mexican shortbread is ideal during the Christmas season! Drizzled with sugar dust, the recipe is brilliant and super easy to emulate.
14. Biscochitos( thirty minutes dessert)
Yes, all you need are thirty minutes to prepare this crumbly treat during the holidays! In fact, you can decide to bake them on a weekday as well! You can invest thirty minutes to see the delightful smile on your kid's face.
15. Soft cinnamon roll cookies
These are the perfect source of bliss as you relish the tenderness and the crumbly essence of the cinnamon-infused rolls! The recipe is pretty easy even for beginners to try their hands at! Are you ready to give it a try then?
16. Slice and bake orange cranberry cookies
The orange cranberry cookies are exactly what you need to keep yourself content in every bite. Infused with fruity orange and cranberry treats, this is an extraordinary idea for one to ravish. Shall we give it a try then?
17. Authentic Spanish Bunuelos recipe
Delectable and luxurious, you are definitely going to fall in love with the wonders of Spanish cookies right away! Sumptuous and crumbly, these are ideal any time of the day when you are feeling starved and crave something light.
18. Maple brown sugar cookies
The sweet and delicious brown sugar cookies are fantastic indeed! There are not many words we will use to describe its taste! That is something you should perceive with your taste buds. Glazed with maple syrup, the recipe is simply outstanding!
19. Soft white chocolate chips cranberry cookies
The cranberry cookies are lovely and enriched with cranberry chunks and white chocolate chips. If you are a fan of Spanish cookies then this is the best idea for you to relish. Let's not waste a second and get started.
20. Cranberry orange swirl cookies
The combination of orange and cranberry is smooth and flooded with a fruity essence. The swirl cookies are super easy to emulate and are topped with sugar dust to make them simply irresistible. What perfect holiday cookies to indulge in this season!
Frequently asked questions associated with making Spanish cookies
1. What is the main tip for baking Spanish cookies?
You should always follow the instructions given in the recipe. Allow the ingredients to come at room temperature first when you are mixing the cookie dough! Make sure you allow the dough to cool down for a while in the refrigerator before you go ahead and bake them. This prevents excess spreading.
2. What makes the cookies tough?
If you mix the dough too much then the cookies might turn out to be too hard. Ensure that blending is even but not so much that it completely becomes tough! Baking those cookies will result in hard ones.
3. Why do cookies crack after baking?
If there is a levitating agent like baking soda or powder in the cookie then it might happen that the cookies will crack at the top. There is no need to worry if you see those cracks. Your cookies are perfect and crisp.
4. What is the secret to making the best cookies?
Perhaps you should always follow the instructions and bake for the perfect time as mentioned in the recipe. Steer away from baking them for more than the given time.
5. What makes your cookies taste better?
If you want your cookies to taste better then you have to add some salt to the cookies. Seasoning is not just meant for savory recipes but also for desserts.
6. What is the golden rule for baking?
Make it cold and bake it hot, when you are preparing the cookies. Allow the dough to cool down in the refrigerator and then bake it hot! Serve it crisp and fresh.
Bottom Line- Now that you have so many wonderful ideas at your fingertips, then what are you waiting for?
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