During the festive season in the Czech Republic, the air is filled with the enticing aroma of freshly baked treats that are a hallmark of their Christmas traditions. One such delightful recipe is the Vanilkové Podusky, translated as Vanilla Pillows. These tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookies are not just a delight to eat, but also a joy to make. They are perfect for sharing with loved ones, pairing with a warm cup of tea, or even wrapping up as thoughtful homemade gifts. Let’s dive into creating these heavenly Vanilla Pillows!
**Vanilkové Podusky Vanilla Pillows**
**Ingredients:**
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup powdered sugar
– 2 egg yolks
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Pinch of salt
– Additional powdered sugar for dusting
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add the egg yolks, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt to the butter-sugar mixture. Mix well until fully incorporated.
4. Gradually add the flour to the wet ingredients, stirring until a soft dough forms. You can use your hands to gently knead the dough to ensure all ingredients are well combined.
5. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness.
6. Using a cookie cutter, cut out the dough into desired shapes. For traditional Vanilkové Podusky, go for a round or pillow-like shape.
7. Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are just starting to turn golden.
8. Once done, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes.
9. While the cookies are still warm, dust the tops generously with powdered sugar, giving them that snowy finish that resembles pillows.
10. Allow the Vanilkové Podusky Vanilla Pillows to cool completely on a wire rack before serving or packaging them for gifting.
These Vanilla Pillows are not just a delicious treat but also a delightful addition to any holiday cookie platter. Their buttery texture and subtle vanilla flavor make them irresistible to anyone who tries them. Whether you choose to enjoy them with a cup of hot cocoa by the fireplace or offer them to guests during holiday gatherings, these cookies are sure to bring smiles all around. Embrace the Czech Christmas spirit with these Vanilkové Podusky and create lasting memories with each bite!
