Dive into the joy of baking with this simple yet delightful recipe for homemade "Pepitos" cookies, perfect for engaging kids and adults alike in the kitchen. These cookies blend the creamy texture of butter with the rich sweetness of chocolate chips or chopped chocolate, resulting in a treat that's not too sweet but just right. Whether you're looking for a fun baking project or a tasty snack, these cookies are sure to please everyone.
Why You'll Love This:
These "Pepitos" cookies are ideal for those who appreciate a less complicated baking process with room for customization. The dough doesn't require any leavening agents, which keeps the cookies dense and rich, similar to shortbread but with a delightful chocolate twist. The recipe is also very forgiving, making it perfect for young bakers to try their hands at mixing and shaping.
Perfect Occasion:
These cookies are fantastic for family gatherings, playdates, casual get-togethers, or just a fun day of baking at home. They are also perfect for holiday cookie swaps, school events, or as a homemade gift that can be beautifully packaged and shared. Their simple elegance and delicious taste make them suitable for any occasion.
Decoration Tips:
For a festive touch, you can drizzle melted chocolate over the baked cookies or dip half of each cookie into melted chocolate and sprinkle with nuts or colorful sprinkles. Another charming way to decorate these cookies is by using cookie stamps before baking to imprint designs that will delight and impress your guests.
Ingredients:
- Butter (75g), room temperature
- Powdered sugar (50g), or granulated sugar for a crunchier texture
- Egg yolk (1)
- Salt (a pinch)
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp)
- Chocolate chips or chopped chocolate (75g)
- All-purpose flour (125g)
Instructions:
- Dough Preparation:
- Cream together butter and sugar until smooth.
- Add salt and vanilla extract, and mix well.
- Incorporate the egg yolk, then gradually mix in the flour until a cohesive dough forms. Stir in the chocolate chips or chopped chocolate last.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator or freezer for 2 hours to firm up.
- Shaping and Baking:
- On a lightly floured surface or between sheets of plastic wrap, roll out the dough to a thickness of 5mm.
- Use a 5cm diameter cookie cutter to cut out the cookies.
- If the dough warms and becomes too soft, chill it again to ensure the cookies maintain their shape while baking.
- Place the cookies on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 170 degrees Celsius (338 degrees Fahrenheit) for 8-10 minutes. The cookies should not brown but just set.
- Cooling and Serving:
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Enjoy your Homemade "Pepitos" Cookies, a simple yet satisfying treat that brings smiles and sweet moments to your kitchen!
