Delicate Christmas Cookie Puffs: A Cherished Classic
This Christmas cookie puff recipe, a treasured gem from Better Homes magazine, brings timeless delight to any holiday gathering. These delicate and tender cookies are a perfect addition to your festive cookie tray, combining the zesty essence of orange with the warm spices of nutmeg and mace. Easy to prepare in under 30 minutes, these cookies are sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
- 6 tablespoons Crisco shortening 🧈
- 1 cup granulated sugar (divided) 🍬
- 2 hard-boiled eggs 🥚
- 1 teaspoon orange zest 🍊
- 1 teaspoon baking powder 🧁
- 1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour 🌾
- 1/2 teaspoon salt 🧂
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg 🌰
- 1/4 teaspoon mace 🌿
- Extra granulated sugar for rolling 🍬
Instructions:
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Prepare the Hard-Boiled Eggs: Start by boiling the two whole eggs. Once they are fully cooked, let them cool. Peel the eggs, remove the yolks, and press them through a sieve to achieve a fine, ground consistency. Set the yolks aside for later. You can enjoy the egg whites as a nutritious snack or lunch. 🍴
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Cream the Shortening and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, cream together the Crisco shortening and 1/2 cup of the granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process will help to create a smooth and tender cookie texture.
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Incorporate the Egg Yolks: Add the finely sieved egg yolks to the creamed shortening and sugar mixture. Beat well to ensure the yolks are fully integrated, creating a uniform texture.
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Add Orange Zest: Stir in the teaspoon of orange zest, blending it thoroughly with the mixture. This will impart a delightful citrus flavor to the cookies.
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Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the remaining 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, ground nutmeg, and mace. This step ensures that the dry ingredients are evenly distributed and free of lumps.
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Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually cut the sifted dry ingredients into the creamed mixture. You can use a spatula or a wooden spoon for this step, mixing until the dough comes together. Avoid overworking the dough to maintain a tender texture.
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Add Almonds: Fold in the almonds, which will add a pleasant crunch and nutty flavor to the cookies.
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Shape the Cookies: Using your hands or a small scoop, shape the dough into walnut-sized balls. Each ball should be about 1 inch in diameter.
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Prepare for Baking: Dip each cookie ball into slightly frothy egg white, then roll them in extra granulated sugar to coat. This will give the cookies a sweet, crunchy exterior.
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Bake: Place the coated cookie balls onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 16 to 18 minutes, or until the bottoms are golden brown. Keep an eye on them to ensure they do not overbake.
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Optional Garnish: If desired, you can dredge the baked cookies in icing powder for an extra touch of sweetness and a festive look.
Serving and Storage:
Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before serving. These Christmas cookie puffs are perfect for large gatherings, making approximately 24 bite-sized treats. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their delicate texture.
Enjoy these cookies with a cup of hot cocoa or tea, and relish the flavors of the holiday season. They’re a delightful treat that’s sure to add a touch of sweetness to your celebrations! 🎄🍪
