These cookies are a delightful combination of buttery richness and a touch of spice, perfect for a winter treat! Their decoration mimics the look of birch tree branches, making them both beautiful and delicious.
Ingredients:
For the Cookies:
- Sugar: 3/4 cup
- Butter: 1/2 cup (softened)
- Milk: 1 tablespoon
- Vanilla: 2 teaspoons
- Egg: 1
- Flour: 2 cups
- Baking Powder: 1 tablespoon
- Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon
For the Decoration:
- Almond Bark or White Chocolate Disks: 1/2 lb
- Milk Chocolate: 2 oz
Instructions:
1. Prep the Oven and Baking Sheets:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F.
- Line cookie sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup and even baking.
2. Make the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat together the sugar and butter until light and fluffy.
- Add the milk, vanilla, and egg, beating well to combine.
- Gradually add the flour, baking powder, and cinnamon, mixing until a smooth dough forms.
3. Shape the Cookies:
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls.
- Shape each ball into a log approximately 6 inches long to mimic the shape of tree branches.
4. Bake the Cookies:
- Arrange the logs on the prepared cookie sheets, leaving space between them.
- Bake for 5-8 minutes, or until lightly golden.
- Cool completely on wire racks.
5. Freeze for Easy Dipping (Optional):
- Place the cooled cookies in a food storage bag and freeze them. This step makes it easier to handle them during the dipping process.
Decorating the Cookies:
6. Melt the White Chocolate:
- Place the white chocolate disks or almond bark on a paper plate and melt in the microwave.
- Heat in 15-30 second intervals, stirring between each round, until fully melted.
- If a few disks look unmelted, remove from the microwave and stir; the residual heat will melt the rest.
7. Dip the Cookies:
- Dredge the tops of each cookie log into the melted white chocolate.
- Lay them on wire racks set over a cookie sheet or wax paper to catch any drips.
8. Drizzle with Milk Chocolate:
- Melt the milk chocolate in the microwave, following the same method as the white chocolate.
- Transfer the melted chocolate into a piping bag or a small plastic bag.
- Snip a tiny corner of the bag and drizzle the milk chocolate over the dipped cookies to create a « birch bark » effect.
Final Touches:
- Allow the chocolate to set completely before transferring cookies to a storage container.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature or freeze for longer storage.
Tips for Success:
- For Smooth Dipping: If the white chocolate is too thick, add a teaspoon of vegetable oil or shortening to thin it out.
- Consistent Logs: Roll the dough on a lightly floured surface to ensure even logs.
- Drizzling Precision: Practice drizzling on wax paper first to get the desired effect.
Enjoy these stunning and delicious Winter Birch Tree Branch cookies at your next holiday gathering or as a thoughtful homemade gift! 🎄🍪