Holiday baking brings joy to our homes and hearts, especially when sharing treasured recipes that have been passed down through generations. The Czech Republic is known for its delightful Christmas baking traditions, filled with warmth and flavors that evoke memories of cozy gatherings. Today, we invite you to try your hand at making a classic festive treat – Ovocné Cukroví Fruit Cookies. These delightful cookies are a colorful addition to any dessert table and are sure to impress your loved ones with their delicious blend of fruit and sweetness.
Ovocné Cukroví Fruit Cookies
Ingredients:
– 1 cup butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 eggs, room temperature
– 3 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup mixed dried fruits (apricots, figs, raisins), finely chopped
– 1/2 cup almonds, finely chopped
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Powdered sugar, for dusting
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 eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until fully incorporated.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a smooth dough forms.
6. Fold in the chopped dried fruits, almonds, and vanilla extract, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
7. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness.
8. Use festive cookie cutters to cut out shapes from the dough, placing them onto the prepared baking sheet.
9. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
10. Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on a wire rack.
11. Once cooled, dust the Ovocné Cukroví Fruit Cookies with powdered sugar for a snowy finish before serving and sharing the holiday cheer with friends and family.
Indulge in these delightful Ovocné Cukroví Fruit Cookies as a special addition to your Christmas baking repertoire. The blend of dried fruits and nuts combined with the buttery sweetness of the cookie base creates a flavor profile that is both comforting and festive. Whether enjoyed with a cup of tea by the fireplace or gifted to loved ones in beautiful boxes, these cookies are sure to spread holiday happiness wherever they go. Embrace the spirit of Czech Christmas traditions by adding these delightful treats to your seasonal celebrations.
