Delicious Sand Cookies Recipe

Sand cookies are delightful, buttery treats perfect for special occasions or simply to enjoy with a warm beverage. Their crumbly texture combined with a melt-in-your-mouth sensation makes them irresistible. The recipe calls for simple ingredients and provides an opportunity for creative expression while decorating. While ideal for festive occasions, these cookies also make a charming homemade gift. The combination of butter and sugar creates a divine flavor profile, especially when complemented with a touch of chocolate glaze. If you're drawn to baking as both a science and an art, sand cookies allow you to marry precision with creativity. Additionally, the finished cookies present a blank canvas, inviting artistic flair with glazes and decorations. Enjoy sharing them with friends and family for a cozy and heartwarming experience.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

Butter
Sugar
Flour
Eggs

For the Glaze

Cocoa
Powdered Sugar
Water

Preparation Time

Total time: 40 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Mix the Flour and Sugar: Begin by combining flour with sugar and sifting it onto a clean board or surface.
Prepare the Butter: Cut cold butter into small pieces and incorporate it into the flour using a knife. This technique prevents the butter from melting, avoiding a sticky dough.
Form the Dough: Once your mixture is crumbly, quickly shape it into a ball with your hands and refrigerate for an hour.
Roll Out the Dough: On a flour-dusted surface or directly on baking paper, roll out the dough to a thickness of 0.5-1 cm.
Cut Out Cookies: Use cookie cutters to shape the dough, transferring the cut cookies onto a lined baking sheet.
Egg Wash: Lightly brush the cookies with beaten egg to achieve a golden hue when baked.
Bake: Preheat your oven to 180°C and bake for 10-15 minutes until the cookies turn golden brown.
Prepare the Glaze: In a bowl, mix powdered sugar with a small amount of water (2-3 teaspoons per half cup of sugar) for a glaze. Adjust consistency to avoid it being too runny.
Add Flavors: Create different colored glazes using food coloring, or add cocoa for a chocolate version.
Decorate: Pour each colored glaze into its bag, snip the end, and decorate the cookies with artistic patterns to your liking.
Allow to Set: Once decorated, let the cookies sit until the glaze hardens fully.
Serve: Enjoy these cookies as they are, or accompany them with a glass of milk or coffee for an enhanced experience.

Tips

Use cold butter to ensure the perfect crumbly texture.
Chill the dough thoroughly to prevent it from spreading too much while baking.
Experiment with glazes to enhance the visual appeal and taste.

Nutrition

Approx. 120 calories per cookie
7g fat
2g protein
15g carbs

Variations

Use whole wheat flour for a more rustic version.
Substitute coconut oil for butter for a dairy-free option.
Add spices like cinnamon or cardamom for an additional flavor dimension.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with a hot cup of tea or coffee.
Serve alongside fresh fruit or a dollop of whipped cream.

Best Places

Maison Bertaux - A traditional patisserie with a cozy ambiance. Location: 28 Greek St, London, UK.
La Pâtisserie des Rêves - Renowned for visually stunning desserts. Location: 111 Rue de Longchamp, Paris, France.
Magnolia Bakery - Famous for classic American baked goods. Location: 401 Bleecker St, New York, USA.
Ladurée Paris - Iconic for macarons and elegant pastries. Location: 75 Av. des Champs-Élysées, Paris, France.
Bunna Cafe - Offers delicious vegan pastries and cookies. Location: 1084 Flushing Ave, Brooklyn, NY, USA.
Milk Bar - Known for inventive, playful desserts. Location: 220 8th Ave, New York, USA.
Pasticceria Marchesi - Provides classic Italian pastries with flair. Location: Via Santa Maria alla Porta, Milan, Italy.
Tartine Bakery - Specializes in heavenly pastries and breads. Location: 600 Guerrero St, San Francisco, USA.
Café Savoy - Historic spot famed for Bohemian pastries. Location: Vítězná 5, Prague, Czech Republic.
Café Central - Offers an old-world vibe with delectable cakes. Location: Herrengasse 14, Vienna, Austria.