The holiday season is upon us, bringing with it a wonderful opportunity to indulge in the time-honored tradition of Christmas baking. One delicious treat that holds a special place in Czech Republic’s festive celebrations is the Máslové Kuličky, also known as Butter Balls. These buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookies are the perfect addition to any holiday cookie platter with their delicate texture and rich flavor.
**Máslové Kuličky Butter Balls**
**Ingredients:**
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup powdered sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup finely chopped walnuts
– Additional powdered sugar for coating
**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 powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Add in the vanilla extract and mix until well combined.
3. Sift the flour and salt into the butter mixture, and stir until a soft dough forms. Fold in the chopped walnuts until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
4. Taking about a tablespoon of dough at a time, roll it into small balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about an inch apart.
5. Bake the Máslové Kuličky in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the bottoms are lightly golden. Be careful not to overbake as you want the cookies to remain tender.
6. Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. While they are still warm, gently roll each cookie in additional powdered sugar to coat them thoroughly.
7. Transfer the Butter Balls to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, you can give them another light dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant finish.
8. Serve these delightful Máslové Kuličky Butter Balls on a festive platter or package them in decorative boxes to give as thoughtful homemade gifts to loved ones.
9. Store any leftover Butter Balls in an airtight container at room temperature, where they will keep well for up to a week. You can also freeze them for longer storage and simply thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.
Indulge in the warmth and comfort of Czech Republic’s holiday baking traditions with these Máslové Kuličky Butter Balls. With their buttery richness and nutty crunch, these cookies are sure to become a beloved addition to your Christmas repertoire. Enjoy the joy of baking and sharing these delectable treats with family and friends this festive season!
