Arnhemse Meisjes Cookies

Ingredients

• 200g (1 ¾ cups) all-purpose flour 200g (1 ¾ cups) all-purpose flour
• 150g (¾ cup) unsalted butter, softened 150g (¾ cup) unsalted butter, softened
• 150g (¾ cup) granulated sugar 150g (¾ cup) granulated sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt Pinch of salt
• Additional granulated sugar for sprinkling Additional granulated sugar for sprinkling

Nutrition

• Calories: 120 kcal / 502 KJ
• Fat: 7g (4g saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 13g (8g sugars)
• Protein: 1g
• Fiber: 0.3g
• Salt: 0.1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. 2.
   In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. 3.
   Add the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt to the butter-sugar mixture, and mix well.
4. 4.
   Gradually add the flour to the mixture, mixing until a smooth dough forms.
5. 5.
   Roll the dough into small balls, approximately 2cm (0.8 inches) in diameter.
6. 6.
   Place the dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving enough space between them.
7. 7.
   Flatten each dough ball slightly with the palm of your hand.
8. 8.
   Sprinkle a generous amount of granulated sugar over each flattened dough ball.
9. 9.
   Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the cookies are golden brown around the edges.
10. 10.
    Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on a wire rack before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Butter — Make sure the butter is softened at room temperature for easier creaming with the sugar.
• Flour — Use all-purpose flour for the best texture and results.
• Vanilla extract — Choose a high-quality vanilla extract to enhance the flavor of the cookies.

Tips & Tricks

• For a variation, you can add a sprinkle of cinnamon or lemon zest to the dough for an extra flavor boost.
• To achieve a uniform size and shape, use a cookie scoop or a melon baller to portion the dough.
• Make sure to flatten the dough balls slightly before baking to achieve the characteristic thinness of Arnhemse Meisjes Cookies.
• Allow the cookies to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container to maintain their crispiness.
• These cookies make a lovely gift when packaged in a decorative tin or box.

Serving advice

Serve Arnhemse Meisjes Cookies alongside a cup of hot tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat. They can also be enjoyed on their own as a sweet snack.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Arnhemse Meisjes Cookies on a serving platter or a decorative plate. Their golden-brown color and sugar topping make them visually appealing. Consider adding a sprig of fresh mint or a dusting of powdered sugar for an extra touch of elegance.