Grandma's biscuits, also known as 'dunking biscuits', are simple rustic shortbreads, made with everyday ingredients that you should always have handy in your store cupboard. Flour, butter, sugar and a few other ingredients make biscuits that are perhaps not particularly beautiful, but are certainly delicious and feel, so to speak, distinctly 'homely'. Whilst cooking, your home will be permeated with the irresistible aroma of these biscuits - which, incidentally, go very well dunked in milk, making a truly special breakfast. No dangerous fats to damage your health, no artificial aromas, just a few simple ingredients for an authentic, healthy breakfast for your children and the whole family.
* approximate values per serving
In a bowl or food processor, combine all the ingredients: flour and baking powder sifted together, softened butter, fresh eggs, lemon zest, sugar and milk. Knead everything together well as quickly as possible (to avoid overheating the butter). Then roll out the dough on a lightly floured worktop until it's about 1cm thick. Cut out rectangles of your preferred biscuit size and sprinkle them with white or brown sugar. Place them, well spaced out, on some baking parchment on an oven tray and cook for 20 minutes at 180°C.
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Put the flour in a food processor
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Add the sugar and baking powder
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Add the softened butter, cut into pieces
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Add the eggs
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Add the milk
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Add the lemon zest
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Knead the biscuit dough
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Cut out rectangle shapes
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Arrange the rectangles on an oven tray and sprinkle with brown sugar
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Bake for 20 minutes at 180°C and serve
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Grandma's Cookies can be enriched with brown sugar, giving these treats a more intense and caramelized flavor. To prepare this variant, simply replace white sugar with brown sugar in the original recipe. This not only imparts a richer taste but also offers a slight crunchiness to the surface of the cookies. Grandma's Cookies with brown sugar are perfect for accompanying a cup of tea or coffee, and they are ideal for those who want a dessert with an extra touch. Additionally, using brown sugar can make the cookies slightly moister, keeping their freshness longer. Try them for a different and tasty snack!
The preparation of Grandma's Cookies can vary depending on regional traditions. In Basilicata, for example, these cookies are often made with typical local ingredients, such as fresh lemon zest and a splash of local liqueur, which adds a particular aroma. Grandma's Cookies from Lucania stand out for their fragrance and crumbly texture, making them perfect to enjoy at any time of the day. To further enhance their flavor, chopped almonds can also be added to the dough. This regional variant brings to the table a dessert that tells the story and culinary traditions of Basilicata, perfect for those who love to discover new tastes.
For those who are mindful of their figure, it is possible to prepare Light Grandma's Cookies by eliminating butter from the recipe and replacing it with low-fat yogurt. This modification not only reduces the calorie content but also makes the cookies lighter and easier to digest. By using lemon yogurt, a fresh note reminiscent of the original version can be maintained. Light Grandma's Cookies without butter are perfect for those looking for a guilt-free dessert. Additionally, spices like cinnamon or vanilla can be added to further enrich the flavor, making these cookies an excellent choice for a healthy and tasty snack.
Grandma's Cookies, made with simple ingredients like flour, sugar, eggs, and butter, provide a range of benefits. The flour provides complex carbohydrates, while the eggs offer high-quality proteins and essential vitamins. However, it is important to keep in mind that cookies can have a significant calorie content: a serving can contain about 100-150 calories, depending on the variations and quantities used. For those looking to maintain a balanced diet, it is advisable to enjoy them in moderation and pair them with fresh fruit or tea for a moment of sweetness without overdoing it. Choosing fresh, quality ingredients, such as lemon, also helps provide antioxidants and improve overall well-being.
Grandma's Cookies can be stored simply and practically. It is recommended to keep them in an airtight container to maintain their freshness and crunchiness. If well stored, the cookies can last up to a week. It is important to avoid exposure to moisture, which could compromise their texture. Alternatively, they can be frozen: to do this, it is advisable to place them in a food bag, separating the cookies with parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together. In this way, Grandma's Cookies can be enjoyed even after weeks; just leave them at room temperature for a few hours before serving.