Are you looking for an elegant and surprisingly easy dessert to impress your friends and family? Look no further! These French lace cookies, also known as Gaufrettes, are incredibly delicate, crispy, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. This recipe provides a simple guide to creating these beautiful cookies, perfect for afternoon tea, holiday gatherings, or simply satisfying a sweet craving. They're a fantastic addition to your repertoire of easy recipes and healthy-ish treats (depending on your additions!).
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- Pinch of salt
Equipment:
- Electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer)
- Two baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Small offset spatula or butter knife
- Lace cookie iron (you can find these online or in specialty kitchen stores)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This is where a stand mixer really shines, but a handheld mixer works perfectly fine. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
Step 3: Preheat and Prepare the Iron
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease your lace cookie iron (or use cooking spray). You’ll want to use parchment paper under the cookies as they bake to prevent sticking.
Step 4: Baking the Cookies
Place a small spoonful of dough (about 1 tablespoon) in the center of the preheated iron. Close the iron firmly and bake for 1-2 minutes, or until golden brown. The exact baking time will depend on your oven and the iron. The cookies are done when they're crisp and lightly browned.
Step 5: Shaping the Cookies
Carefully remove the baked cookie from the iron using an offset spatula or butter knife. Immediately shape the cookie while it's still warm and pliable. You can shape it into a cone, roll it into a cylinder, or leave it flat. Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack before storing.
Tips for Success:
- Softened Butter is Key: Make sure your butter is truly softened – this will ensure a smooth and creamy dough.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the dough will result in tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
- Even Baking: Keep a close eye on your cookies while they're baking, as they can burn quickly.
- Experiment with Shapes: Get creative with the shapes you create with your warm cookies!
Variations:
- Chocolate Lace Cookies: Add 1/4 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder to the dry ingredients for a delicious chocolate twist.
- Spiced Lace Cookies: Add 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves to the dough for a warm and comforting flavor.
- Citrus Lace Cookies: Add the zest of one lemon or orange to the dough for a bright and refreshing flavor.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 100-120
- Fat: 6-7g
- Sugar: 7-8g
These delightful French lace cookies are a perfect example of how delicious and impressive homemade cooking can be, even with quick dinner ideas in mind. They're an elegant treat for any occasion and are sure to become a new favorite among your best recipes! Enjoy!