Embracing the festive cheer of December in Germany, where the air itself seems sweet with the spirit of Christmas, the tradition of baking and sharing cookies is a heartfelt ritual. Yet, for some, the process, particularly the use of cookie cutters, can be daunting. The high butter content in cookie dough, although manageable straight from the refrigerator, quickly becomes a sticky challenge at room temperature.
The fear of baking cookies, akin to a nightmare involving stubborn dough and lost patience, is a sentiment known to many. However, missing out on the joy of cookie-making during the holiday season is like a New Year without red envelopes—a celebration somewhat incomplete. This is where a grandmother’s wisdom enters, offering a mold-free recipe that is as delightful as it is simple.
Enter the Butterwölkchen, or Butter Cloud Biscuits, a name as charming as the experience of eating them. These biscuits crumble blissfully upon the first bite, melting on the tongue and spreading a sweet, buttery joy that is positively addictive.
In the week leading up to Christmas, the joy of baking these biscuits daily, whether to gift to friends or to brighten the office, is unparalleled. The freedom to bake without molds in December brings a unique kind of happiness, one that is shared with every batch.
The simplicity of the ingredients adds to the charm of this recipe, with a few tips to ensure perfection:
1️⃣ Any standard flour will suffice, making it accessible to all.
2️⃣ Almond flour, paired with a hint of almond extract, infuses the biscuits with a delectable aroma.
3️⃣ In the absence of almond flour, plain flour can be substituted, with a touch of vanilla sugar to achieve a sweet vanilla flavor.
4️⃣ Vanilla pudding powder can be replaced with cornstarch, which contributes to the biscuit’s crispiness. If using cornstarch, consider adding a bit of vanilla paste to enrich the flavor.
5️⃣ The recipe calls for both vanilla and almond extracts, used sparingly. If unavailable, the biscuits will still delight with their pure, sugary essence.
Ingredients:
- Standard Flour: 270 grams
- Almond Flour: 50 grams
- Butter: 250 grams
- Unsweetened Vanilla Pudding Powder: 1 packet (37 grams)
- Powdered Sugar: 70 grams
- Vanilla Sugar: 16 grams
- Baking Powder: 4 grams
- Vanilla Extract (optional): A few drops
- Almond Extract (optional): A few drops
Method:
Combine all dry ingredients, except for the butter and extracts, in a large mixing bowl. Introduce softened butter and a few drops of the chosen extract—almond for a nutty flavor, or vanilla for a classic sweetness. Mix by hand until the dough is uniform, moist, and slightly oily without being overly sticky.
Preheat the oven to 150°C with convection or 170°C with top and bottom heat. Shape small amounts of dough into balls, spacing them out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake for 15-20 minutes, until the biscuits have spread into glistening, golden clouds. Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar for a final, sweet touch. These biscuits are a joy to make and even more to give, as they carry the warmth of the season in every buttery crumb.