Delight your taste buds and homes with the warmth and sweetness of a traditional Czech Republic Christmas baking recipe – the charming and buttery Máslové Sušenky, also known as Butter Biscuits. These delightful cookies are perfect for sharing with loved ones during the holiday season or for cozying up by the fireplace with a cup of hot cocoa. With a melt-in-your-mouth texture and a touch of aromatic vanilla, these biscuits are sure to become a staple in your festive baking repertoire. Let’s dive into the recipe and bring a piece of Czech tradition into your home.
**Ingredients:**
– 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– Pinch of salt
– Powdered sugar, for dusting
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat the Oven:** Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will ensure that your Máslové Sušenky bake evenly and don’t stick to the tray.
2. **Cream the Butter and Sugar:** In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for achieving a tender and melt-in-your-mouth texture for your Butter Biscuits.
3. **Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla:** Add the eggs, one at a time, to the butter and sugar mixture, beating well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract, giving your Máslové Sušenky a delightful aroma and flavor that complements the buttery goodness.
4. **Combine Dry Ingredients:** In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. This dry mixture will provide structure to your Butter Biscuits and ensure they hold their shape during baking.
5. **Form the Dough:** Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until a smooth dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, you can add a little more flour until it reaches a workable consistency.
6. **Shape the Biscuits:** Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about ¼ inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out your desired shapes, whether it’s classic rounds or festive holiday designs. Place the cut-out Máslové Sušenky on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie.
7. **Bake to Perfection:** Bake the Butter Biscuits in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Be mindful not to overbake them, as Máslové Sušenky are best when they’re tender and slightly crumbly.
8. **Dust with Powdered Sugar:** Once the Butter Biscuits have cooled slightly, dust them with powdered sugar for an elegant finish. This step not only adds a touch of sweetness but also gives your Máslové Sušenky a festive and snowy appearance.
Enjoy these Máslové Sušenky Butter Biscuits with a steaming cup of tea or coffee, or package them up in a decorative tin to gift to friends and family during the holiday season. These traditional Czech treats are a delightful addition to any Christmas cookie platter and are sure to bring joy to all who taste them. Embrace the spirit of the season with this delicious recipe straight from the heart of Czech Republic baking traditions.
