In the realm of baking, few treats evoke the same sense of ethereal delight as Angel Cookies. These delicate confections are aptly named, as they practically melt in your mouth, leaving behind a trail of sweet bliss. With their light and airy texture and subtle sweetness, Angel Cookies are a favorite for any occasion. Today, we unveil the secrets to creating these heavenly delights in your own kitchen. So, preheat your oven and prepare to embark on a journey to cookie paradise!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Additional powdered sugar for coating
Instructions:
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Incorporate Wet Ingredients: Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract until well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a smooth dough forms.
- Shape Dough: Roll the dough into tablespoon-sized balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each cookie.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Cool and Coat: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, roll the cookies in powdered sugar until evenly coated.
- Serve: Serve these heavenly Angel Cookies with a glass of milk or a cup of tea for the perfect sweet treat.
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Lemon Zest: For a burst of citrus flavor, add 1 tablespoon of freshly grated lemon zest to the dough.
- Almond Extract: Substitute almond extract for vanilla extract for a subtle almond flavor.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Melt semi-sweet or white chocolate chips and drizzle over the cooled cookies for an elegant touch.
- Nutty Crunch: Add chopped nuts such as pecans or almonds to the dough for added texture and flavor.
Keto and Low Carb Versions:
Keto Version:
- Replace granulated sugar and powdered sugar with keto-friendly sweeteners such as erythritol or stevia.
- Substitute almond flour for all-purpose flour to reduce the carb content.
- Use a combination of almond flour and coconut flour for a lighter texture.
Low Carb Version:
- Use a blend of almond flour and coconut flour instead of all-purpose flour for a lower carb option.
- Replace granulated sugar with a low carb sweetener such as monk fruit or erythritol.
- Opt for unsweetened almond milk instead of cow’s milk for a dairy-free and lower carb alternative.
In conclusion, Angel Cookies are a delightful indulgence that is sure to brighten any occasion. With their delicate texture and heavenly flavor, these cookies are a true crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re baking for a special event or simply treating yourself to a sweet snack, Angel Cookies never disappoint. So, gather your ingredients and let the magic of baking whisk you away to cookie heaven!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I freeze the cookie dough? A: Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough for later use. Simply roll the dough into balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze until firm, then transfer the dough balls to a resealable plastic bag. When ready to bake, simply place the frozen dough balls on a baking sheet and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Q: How should I store Angel Cookies? A: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a resealable plastic bag and freeze for up to three months.
Q: Can I add mix-ins to the dough? A: Absolutely! Feel free to add chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried fruit to the dough for added flavor and texture. Just be sure not to add too many mix-ins, as it may affect the texture of the cookies.
Q: My cookies spread too much during baking. What did I do wrong? A: If your cookies spread too much during baking, it could be due to several factors, including using warm dough, overcrowding the baking sheet, or not chilling the dough before baking. To prevent spreading, chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before baking and space the dough balls evenly on the baking sheet.
Q: Can I make these cookies gluten-free? A: Yes, you can make gluten-free Angel Cookies by using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour. Be sure to check that all other ingredients are also gluten-free.
Q: Can I make these cookies dairy-free? A: Yes, you can make dairy-free Angel Cookies by using dairy-free butter or margarine in place of regular butter. Additionally, you can substitute almond milk for cow’s milk.
Q: Can I make smaller or larger cookies? A: Yes, you can adjust the size of the cookies to your preference. For smaller cookies, use a teaspoon-sized portion of dough and reduce the baking time accordingly. For larger cookies, use a heaping tablespoon-sized portion of dough and increase the baking time as needed.
Q: Can I omit the powdered sugar coating? A: While the powdered sugar coating adds a sweet finishing touch to the cookies, you can omit it if desired. The cookies will still be delicious without it, although they may be slightly less sweet.
Q: Can I make these cookies ahead of time for a party or event? A: Yes, you can make these cookies ahead of time and store them in an airtight container until ready to serve. The powdered sugar coating may absorb moisture over time, so you may need to re-roll the cookies in powdered sugar just before serving for the best presentation.
