Beschuit met Muisjes

Ingredients

• 200g (1 ⅔ cups) all-purpose flour 200g (1 ⅔ cups) all-purpose flour
• 100g (½ cup) granulated sugar 100g (½ cup) granulated sugar
• 100g (7 tablespoons) unsalted butter, softened 100g (7 tablespoons) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon baking powder
• Pinch of salt Pinch of salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon milk 1 tablespoon milk
• Muisjes (anise-flavored sugar-coated aniseeds), for topping Muisjes (anise-flavored sugar-coated aniseeds), for topping

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 120 kcal / 502 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 5g, 3g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 17g, 8g
• Protein: 2g
• Fiber: 0.5g
• 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 sugar until light and fluffy.
3. 3.
   Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. 4.
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the butter mixture, mixing until well combined.
5. 5.
   Add the milk and mix until the dough comes together. It should be soft and slightly sticky.
6. 6.
   On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to a thickness of about 5mm (¼ inch). Use a round cookie cutter to cut out individual biscuits and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
7. 7.
   Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown and crisp.
8. 8.
   Remove from the oven and allow the biscuits to cool completely on a wire rack.
9. 9.
   Once cooled, generously sprinkle the muisjes over the biscuits. Serve and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Butter — Make sure the butter is softened at room temperature for easier creaming with the sugar.
• Muisjes — Look for anise-flavored sugar-coated aniseeds, commonly available in Dutch specialty stores or online.

Tips & Tricks

• For a more pronounced anise flavor, you can add a teaspoon of anise extract to the dough.
• If you prefer a sweeter biscuit, you can sprinkle a little extra sugar on top of the biscuits before baking.
• Store the beschuit met muisjes in an airtight container to maintain their crispness.

Serving advice

Beschuit met Muisjes are traditionally served during special occasions, particularly to celebrate the birth of a baby. They are often enjoyed with a cup of tea or coffee. To serve, place the biscuits on a plate and accompany them with a warm beverage.

Presentation advice

Arrange the beschuit met muisjes on a decorative platter, ensuring the colorful muisjes are evenly distributed. Consider adding a few fresh flowers or baby-themed decorations to enhance the celebratory atmosphere.