Pink Pecan Russian Teacakes

En Español

These pink pecan Russian Teacakes are as irresistibly delicious as they are cute. They have a nice pink color, and a mixed flavor of cinnamon and pecan that will enchant you! This is one of many versions created by my daughter. For that special sweet gift or any theme party in pink this is a great choice dessert. My youngest daughter, Topaz, has created two varieties for the past Valentine’s Day, these pink pecan and the red velvet Mexican wedding cookies that I shared here.

See step by step of the original cookies here: Mexican wedding cookies.

Red Velvet Mexican Wedding Cookies

En Español

Polvorones, Russian teacakes or Mexican wedding cookies as I have known them for years and shared a while back in this blog here, remain a favorite cookie at home. My daughters and I have several versions of this recipe and the one I share today has the flavor and the color of the classic Red Velvet dessert.

Meringue Kissed Cookies or Iced Gems Cookies

Totally nostalgic! These meringue kissed cookies are the cutest thing! They remind me of the iced gem cookies that come in plastic purses. My mom used to buy me these when I was a child, and I also remember buying them for my girls. For those of you who do not know which cookies I am referring to, they are called iced gems biscuits or cookies. I found a photo of them here, but not of the purse. For the passionate experienced baker or the new cookie decorators, these are beautiful and inviting without the need to make difficult decorations with many of details.

En Español

While working with this mildly spiced cookie dough, I realized that it tastes very similar to the famous cookies sold in the Dominican Republic called Martin cookies. That's why I named them meringue-kissed cookies. Although these cookies are decorated with royal icing, Dominicans call the icing “suspirito” meaning meringue kisses.

I know Dominicans that live abroad or tourist that have visited this country will love to try these and flavor a bit of home in every bite! If you bake these, please share the photos.

Traditional Gingerbread Men Cookies

These last few days I've been putting together our gingerbread house and making gingerbread men. With all the things we have made a habit of doing for this season, there is nothing better for me than to decorate cookies. I have so much fun decorating gingerbread men, and it keeps me busy doing what I like, especially when it is to give as a gift!

En español

The cookies are very easy to make and decorate. All you need is a gingerbread man cutter, your favorite cookie recipe, and royal icing. There is nothing complicated about decorating it the traditional way. I made a video of less than two minutes for you to see and get inspired to make a few in the next weeks.

Need some cookie recipes: 
Sugar Cookies (Traditional) 
Decorating Chocolate Cookies
Gingerbread Cookies Recipe

Notes: To add color to the traditional cookie dough, you just have to add a few teaspoons of cocoa or a few drops of color of your choice. These will look nice in red or green, maybe pink for a baby girl!  I am stuck on the traditional, but it is always good to try out new things, especially for kids!

Glaze Recipe: 
Royal Icing

A sweet peek at this year´s gingerbread house:

Have you noticed the beautiful new blog design? I would like to thank Fran, from Freborboleta Design, who is the one who helped me to change the style of the blog. I love the new design and I hope you like it too! Feel free to look around, use the new "custom search" on the right, or the options on the gray menu bar above. If it is not in your language, click on the top right button to switch to the English or Spanish blog.

Have a Merry week!

Gone Fishing Cookies

These is my version of summertime fun decorated cookies.  I was inspired by my gone fishing cupcakes, so I call them gone fishing cookies. The recipes I used are the following:

Chocolate Sugar Cookies
Royal Icing II
Marshmallow Fondant

Chocolate cupcake filled with coconut flavor italian merengue with coconut flakes, topped with blue italian merengue. The fish is made out of fondant and left to dry for three days to harden. For the fishing rod I used a 7" bamboo skewer.

Gone fishing chocolate decorated cookies.

I used two tones of blue royal icing and mixed them a bit to resemble the sea and sky. I also added white sprinkles to imitate the air bubbles in the water.

For the bamboo rod I used brown icing. This occurred to me at the moment of decorating the cookie, but I wasn't aware if such fishing rod existed until I investigated and to my surprise there are bamboo fishing rods. Mine are much more rustic, but it still was of much enjoyment to make these cookies for my daughters and to eat them.

I glued the fondant fish with royal icing. After all the details were dry, I added bigger air bubbles with white icing and sprinkled them with rainbow disco dust to add a bit of sparkle.

Have a blessed rest of the summer :)

- While evildoers and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, 15 and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.~ 2 Timothy 3:13-15

Chocolate Sugar Cookie

This is one chocolate cookie dough recipe you will love to have at hand. This is a variation of the "sugar cookies" recipe  that I use for all my decorated cookies with icing. This dough could be rolled easily without cooling, but I do recommend that after rolling you refrigerate as this helps the cut out cookies to be more defined and to hold their shape when transferring from the work table to the baking sheet. After baked these remain the same sizes, have a perfect texture and a rich chocolate flavor. You got to try them.

Ice Cream Cone Cookies

I made these ice cream cone cookies a couple of weeks ago for my daughters, and I enjoyed decorating them so much I had to share it. These would make a perfect treat for a summer celebration or to give to the guests who will visit us this season. That is if they notified you in advance and don't show up as a surprise at your door!

I don't own an ice cream cone cookie cuter at the moment, so I used a cone-shaped pattern made ​​out of cardboard, a cloud cutter, a heart shape cookie cutter and a decorating tip for the cherry. Of all the cookies I've made, these are the ones I like the most ... well it seems that every time I decorate cookies those become "the ones I like the most" lol. I love cookies, and cupcakes and cakes, but you already knew that.

Have a happy Summer!

Cherry Thimbles Cookies

Introducing Cherry Thimbles Cookies a cherished variation of thumbprint cookies. These delightful treats embody the flavors of miniature cherry pies, boasting a buttery crust and a delectably sweet center. 

Discovered in a vintage magazine back in 2001, this cherry thimble cookie recipe has become an integral part of our family's treasured cookie tradition. While cherry season typically graces us in June, fear not, for these cookies are just as delightful when made with maraschino cherries. There's no need to wait - I assure you, they will only linger for a short time once served on your platter. Enjoy every bite!

Receta de estas galletas Cherry Thimbles en español. 

Baking them in mini cupcakes pan.

Drop marmalade by 1/4 teaspoon.

All ready... now baked with love.

Cherry Thimbles Cookies

Ingredientes: 
1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
¾ cups confectioner’s sugar (you could add ¼ more if you prefer it sweeter)
½ teaspoon vanilla
1 cup unsalted butter, softened and cut into cubes
36 fresh tart red cherries or 36 maraschino cherries well-drained
2 tablespoons cherry or red currant jelly


Instructions: 

1. Butter 36 mini-muffin cups (1 ¾- inches in diameter) or spray with nonstick coating spray. Preheat oven to 350ºF.

2. combine flour, confectioner’s sugar, and vanilla in a large mixer bowl. Add half the butter. Beat a low-speed electric mixer until crumbly.

3. Add the remaining butter. Beat at medium speed until the dough starts to cling together. Gather dough into a log.

4. Form into a log shape on plastic wrap. Wrap and refrigerate for 1½ to 2 hours.

5. Cut logs in thirds. Cut each third into 12 equal pieces. Roll each dough piece between hands to form a ball about ¾ inch in diameter. Arrange balls in muffin cups. Press down the center of the ball with your thumb to make a depression-like small thimble shape, leaving an indentation in the center of each to form a cup for the cherry.

6. Place 1 cherry in each dough cup. Set aside. In a small saucepan, stir jelly over medium heat until melted. Spoon 1/8 teaspoon jelly over each cherry. Place the muffin tins on a baking sheet.

7. Bake at 325°F for 20 to 25 minutes until cookies are set. Using a small sharp knife, carefully loosen the edges of hot cookies with an up-and-down motion. (Be gentle because cookies are very fragile.) Cool in a pan set on a rack. Carefully lift the cookies out of the pan when completely cooled.

If you enjoyed this recipe you will love:

Thumbprint Cookies (Jam-Filled Butter Cookies)

 "For You are my hope, O Lord GOD; You are my trust from my youth." ~ Psalm 71:5

Crackled Top Chocolate Cookies

In this season of baking cookies and many more goodies, a cookie recipe without the complication of  decorating after baking is good for a change. This recipe is a classic. On the web there are many versions, the most popular one is  Martha Stewart's chocolate crackle recipe, that calls for eight ounces of melted chocolate in addition to the cocoa powder.

The version I share today does not use melted chocolate, and is equally moist and fudgy. If you find yourself without a bar of baker's chocolate, there is no reason not to make these chocolate crinkle cookies. If you have kids, then this will be a baking project they'll love to help you with. Do not forget to check out the Thumbprints and Snowball cookies recipes. I hope you are having a great and memorable family moments this December, have a divine time baking cookies!

Timeless Thumbprint Cookies Recipe: A Delightful Tradition

Discover the Timeless Charm of Thumbprint Cookies: A Delightful Recipe

Indulge in the delightful tradition of baking Thumbprint Cookies, a beloved treat cherished by many for generations. With their irresistibly delicious jam-filled centers, these cookies are also affectionately known as Jam-Filled Butter Cookies or Polish Tea Cookies. Their exquisite taste and charming appearance make them a perfect sweet gift for your loved ones or guests.

If you've been searching for a delightful homemade gift, look no further. These cookies offer a delightful combination of visual appeal and exceptional taste, without the need for elaborate icing decorations.

Receta de Thumbprint Cookies en español.

After experimenting with various recipes, I've perfected my own version to ensure these cookies maintain their delightful shape and texture. Say goodbye to flat cookies and embrace the joy of baking these delightful treats."

Jam Filled Butter Cookies, Thumbprint Cookies

Ingredientes:
2½ cups of all-purpose flour
¼ teaspoon salt
¾ cup unsalted butter
1 cup granulated sugar
1 egg
½ teaspoon extract or citrus zest (optional)
½ cup preserves

For nut coating (optional) 
½ cup toasted and finely chopped nuts
1 egg white for decoration

Chocolate Drizzle
¼ cup semi-sweet chocolate melted

Preparation: 

1. Lightly grease a cookie sheet. Mix flour and salt and set aside. In a bowl, cream together butter, and sugar for about two minutes until creamy then add egg and extract. Mix until well blended.

2. Mix in flour a little at a time until a soft dough formed. The dough will be soft, refrigerate for 1 hour or until the dough is hard enough to form. Roll dough into 1-inch balls.

3. Place balls 2 inches apart onto a cookie sheet. Use your thumb or the back of a ½ teaspoon measuring spoon to make an indentation in the center of each cookie. Fill the hole with about ½ teaspoon of preserves (Jam).

4. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven to 350°F (175°C) or until golden brown on the bottom. Remove from cookie sheets to cool on wire racks. Melt chocolate and with the help of a fork or tip #2 drizzle over cookies in zigzag form.

To make rolled-in nuts cookies: 

a) Place nuts on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes until nuts are light brown in color. Let cool completely then chop finely. Toasting the nut is optional. 

b) Follow steps #1-2 above, BUT before placing in the tray, whisk an egg white until frothy and dip balls of dough in it first, then roll in a plate of chopped nuts. Place balls 2 inches apart on cookie sheets. 

c) Continue with step #3 and 4. Bake for 8-12 minutes or until the cookies have been set and the nuts have lightly browned.

Yield: 36 - 1-inch cookies.

 

If you enjoyed this recipe, you may also love:

Cherry Thimble Cookies 

But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! - 2 Peter 3:18

Oatmeal Cookies, Galletas de Avena

My favorite...OATMEAL cookies! I don't know how I had not shared my favorite recipe for years with you before, .....well I kind of do. When I bake these cookies they disappear quite quickly. My beloved daughters and husband are not the only ones to blame, this time I am also guilty. To tell you the truth, after baking cookies like these, who wants to spend time photographing when you can sit down, relax and enjoy them? This time I manage to save a few for the blog photos, and I am very happy I did because it is another cookie recipe I add to this blog. I have dedicated this blog to my daughters, family and friends, hoping one day they'll bake for me too! I also dedicate this blog to YOU of course, but due to distances etc., I'll be happy with you cooking / baking my recipes and enjoying them yourselves. Photos of your baked good are appreciated :)

En Español: AQUÍ

Variations to the oatmeal cookies could be endless. Some have nuts and some do not. Some have raisins and some don’t. Others have spices and others don’t. What I like about this cookie is the hint of spices combined with the oatmeal, the ground raisins and the crisp but also slightly chewy texture it has. This is definitely the oatmeal cookie I use to eat and enjoy with delight when I was a child. I know you will enjoy it as much as we do.

Going into three months after "back to school" and we know some of us are a little exhausted of  everyday tasks and most likely start getting a little lazy in preparing our children's snack. A delicious and nutritious dessert should not be left out, and for that I recommend these oatmeal cookies. Whether you bake them to give as a gift or to munch on at snack time, these cookies are excellent!

Oatmeal Cookies
For gifts or snack these are excellent! The ground raisins give it a uniform texture and rich taste. If you prefer a sweeter cookie you can 1/2 cup extra of white granulated sugar.

 
Ingredients: 
8 tablespoons (1stick) unsalted butter or margarine at room temperature
⅓ cup firmly dark brown sugar
¼ cup white granulated sugar
½ cup raisins, ground to a paste in a food processor
1 large egg
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
1½ cup all purpose flour (for a flatter cookie use 1 cup only)
1 cup oatmeal (old fashion preferred)
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¼ teaspoon ground cloves
Pinch of salt


Instructions: 
1. Preheat the oven to 350˚F (175˚C). Lightly grease cookie sheets or line with wax paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter. Add both sugars and cream until smooth. Add the raising paste and mix until well blended.Add the egg and mix until fully incorporated.
3. With a whisk stir the flour, oatmeal, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt into another bowl. Add to the butter mixture and mix until a dough forms.
4. Drop by 1 tablespoon of the dough 2 inches apart onto the prepared cookie sheets. Bake in the middle of the oven for 10 or 12 minutes or until the cookies are a light golden brown but still a little moist on top.

Yield: 2 dozens.

The gum paste flowers used in this post are from are made in Dominican Republic, if you are interested in buying we ship to the United States and other parts of the world please contact me via email.

En español: AQUÍ

Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” - Matthew 19:26