Around the Christmas season, the air is filled with the warm scent of freshly baked cookies that bring comfort and joy to our homes. If you’re looking to add a touch of Polish tradition to your holiday baking, why not try making Ciasteczka Maślane, also known as Butter Cookies. These delightful treats are simple to make yet exquisitely delicious, perfect for sharing with loved ones or as a thoughtful gift for friends and neighbors.
**Ciasteczka Maślane (Butter Cookies)**
**Ingredients:**
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 large egg
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
– ¼ teaspoon salt
– Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
– Colored sugar or sprinkles for decoration (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, beating well until fully combined.
4. Sift the flour and salt together, then gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a smooth dough forms.
5. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about ¼ inch thickness. You can use cookie cutters to create festive shapes or simply cut the dough into rectangles or circles.
6. Place the cut-out cookies on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each cookie.
7. If desired, sprinkle colored sugar or sprinkles on top of the cookies for a decorative touch.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden.
9. Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Once cooled, dust the cookies with powdered sugar if desired for a snowy finish.
These delightful Ciasteczka Maślane, or Butter Cookies, are perfect for enjoying with a cup of hot cocoa on a chilly winter evening or for gifting in a beautifully wrapped box. Their melt-in-your-mouth texture and buttery flavor make them a favorite among both children and adults alike. Get creative with different cookie cutter shapes and decorations to make them truly unique to your family traditions.
Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, these Polish Christmas butter cookies are sure to become a staple in your holiday recipe collection. Share the love this festive season by spreading the joy of homemade treats with those around you. Make a batch of Ciasteczka Maślane and watch as they disappear within moments, leaving smiles and memories that last far beyond the holiday season.
