Beetroot Heart Cookies

These delightful beetroot heart cookies offer a unique twist on traditional cookie recipes, blending a touch of earthy sweetness with a beautiful pop of color. The inclusion of beets not only adds vibrant natural coloring but also imparts subtle earthy flavors that pair well with the creamy texture of fresh cheese. Using simple ingredients like fresh cheese, lemon juice, and butter, these cookies are a luxurious treat without the need for extravagant components. The preparation is straightforward, requiring about an hour, yet offers a fun baking experience with the ability to create charming shapes. Perfect for those who appreciate a softer cookie, these can be crafted to personal thickness preferences, providing versatility in texture from chewy to crisp. The subtle sweetness makes them an ideal companion to tea or a mid-morning coffee. The recipe is flexible, allowing for creativity in shapes and sizes, making them an exciting project for adults and children alike. Despite their gourmet appearance, these cookies are easy to make, turning simple pantry ingredients into a delightful delicacy. Enjoy these cookies as an afternoon treat, a weekend baking project, or as a special gift for loved ones.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 1 cooked beetroot, approximately the size of an orange
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 100 g fresh cheese (can substitute with thick 30% sour cream)
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup sugar (add more if you prefer sweeter cookies)
• 50 g butter or margarine at room temperature
• 500 g wheat flour
• 15 g baking powder

Preparation Time

• Total time: 60 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Beetroot Mixture: Peel and finely grate the cooked beetroot. Combine it with lemon juice and blend together with the fresh cheese until you achieve a smooth mixture.

2. Make the Egg Mixture: In a separate bowl, beat the egg with sugar until it becomes fluffy. Then add the butter and continue beating until well mixed.

3. Combine Mixtures: Add the beetroot mixture to the egg mixture and blend everything together thoroughly.

4. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually sift in the flour mixed with baking powder, stirring as you add to form a sticky dough.

5. Knead the Dough: Work the dough by hand, ensuring it remains soft and pliable but not sticky. Wash your hands during kneading to avoid adding too much additional flour.

6. Chill the Dough: Wrap the prepared dough in a bag and refrigerate it for at least 3 hours to let it firm up.

7. Prepare for Rolling: After chilling, place the dough on a piece of baking parchment, lightly dust it with flour, and begin rolling. For a thicker cookie, aim for about 0.5 cm thickness.

8. Ensure Ideal Surface: Once rolled, flip the dough over to ensure the floured side is on the bottom, preserving the smooth, untouched surface for cutting.

9. Shape the Cookies: Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut shapes out of the dough.

10. Create Butterfly Designs: For a butterfly, cut out four heart shapes and join them with a small rolled piece of dough in the center.

11. Experiment with Shapes: Though you can make butterflies, simple cookie pieces can also be created, avoiding unnecessary egg wash for a natural finish.

12. Review Your Masterpieces: Arrange your cookies on a baking tray lined with baking paper. Although after baking the colors may not be as vibrant, they will retain an appealing appearance.

13. Compare Styles: Test some cookies with an egg wash for a sheen and compare with the naturally baked ones to decide your preference.

14. Bake the Cookies: Preheat the oven and bake the cookies until they're slightly golden. Baking time may vary depending on thickness.

15. Assess Texture Preferences: If thin, they will crisp up nicely, while thicker cookies remain soft.

16. Enjoy the Texture: These cookies are soft with a delicate flavor, ideal for pairing with hot drinks.

17. Additional Baking Time Suggestions: Depending on how you like your cookies, consider a few minutes more or less in the oven for perfect results.

18. Finalize Your Presentation: Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before serving or storing.

19. Sending Wishes: Enjoy your homemade cookies with friends and family or gift them as a thoughtful treat!

20. Invite Smiles: May these cookies bring joy and smiles to your table!

Tips

• Substitution Tip: If fresh cheese is unavailable, thick sour cream serves as an excellent alternative.
• For Sweeter Cookies: Increase sugar to suit your taste.
• Perfect Rolling: Dust the rolling pin with flour to prevent sticking.

Nutritions

• Calories: Approximately 70 per cookie
• Protein: 1g
• Fats: 2g
• Carbohydrates: 12g

Variations

• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute wheat flour with gluten-free flour mix.
• Vegan Alternative: Replace the egg with a flaxseed mixture and butter with coconut oil.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with herbal tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon treat.
• Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a refreshing contrast.

Best Places

• Beet & Co. - Specializes in beetroot-inspired pastries. Location: 123 Greenway Ave, London, UK.
• Cookie Haven - Famous for creative cookie designs. Location: 45 Baker Street, Sydney, Australia.
• The Red Bakery - Offers a range of colorful treats. Location: 9 Apple Blvd, New York, USA.
• Sweet Roots Cafe - Combines natural dyes in their baked goods. Location: 77 Rainbow Rd, Toronto, Canada.
• Earthy Delights - Modern twists on classic recipes. Location: 22 Golden Ln, Auckland, New Zealand.
• Colorful Bites - A bakery known for edible art. Location: 16 Sunshine St, Cape Town, South Africa.
• Natura Pastries - Focuses on organic and natural ingredients. Location: 5 Elm St, Dublin, Ireland.
• Artisan Treats - Celebrated for unique flavor combinations. Location: 12 Blueberry Ct, Hong Kong.
• Palette of Pastries - Showcases vibrant, artistic cookies. Location: 8 Crescent Rd, Paris, France.
• Cookie Artistry - Perfect blend of color and flavor. Location: 3 Artist Ln, Berlin, Germany.