Estes Biscoitos de Colher, ou “cookies de colher”, são uma versão simplificada e deliciosa dos tradicionais biscoitos portugueses. A sua textura amanteigada e o toque de baunilha tornam-nos perfeitos para acompanhar um café ou chá, sendo uma opção caseira e reconfortante para qualquer momento do dia.

Ingredientes

  • 200g de Manteiga
  • 130g da Açúcar
  • 1 c.s. de extrato de baunilha
  • 1 c.chá de fermento em pó
  • 220g de Farinha de Trigo

Preparação

  1. Ligue o forno a 170ºC.
  2. Derreta a manteiga num tacho, deixe ferver ligeiramente, retire do lume e junte o açúcar e baunilha.
  3. Numa outra taça junte a farinha peneirada e o fermento e junte a esta o preparado anterior.
  4. Misture bem e deixe arrefecer.
  5. Com a ajuda de uma colher (daí o nome), coloque colheradas da preparação em tabuleiros forrados com papel vegetal (deixe algum espaço eles para que cresçam) e leve ao forno durante 10 a 14 minutos (ou até que fiquem douradinhos por cima).
  6. Retire e deixe arrefecer numa grelha.

For our English-speaking friends, here’s the recipe for these delightful homemade cookies, perfect for your next coffee break.

Spoon Biscuits

These “Spoon Biscuits” (Biscoitos de Colher) are a wonderfully simple and comforting Portuguese treat, perfect for those moments when you crave something sweet and homemade without too much fuss. Unlike some more elaborate Portuguese biscoitos which might be shaped or decorated, these are charmingly rustic, named for the way the dough is simply spooned onto the baking sheet. They are incredibly tender, buttery, and infused with the warm aroma of vanilla, making them an ideal companion for a hot cup of coffee or tea .

The beauty of this recipe lies in its straightforward approach and minimal ingredients, most of which are likely already in your pantry. The method of melting the butter and then incorporating it with the sugar and vanilla before adding the dry ingredients helps create a particularly tender crumb, almost like a shortbread but with a slightly softer, more cookie-like texture. This simplicity allows the pure flavours of butter and vanilla to shine through.

One of the best things about these biscuits is their versatility. While delicious on their own, you could also experiment with adding a pinch of cinnamon, a little lemon zest, or even some mini chocolate chips to the dough for a different twist. They store well in an airtight container, making them perfect for preparing ahead of time for unexpected guests or simply to have a sweet treat readily available. Remember not to overbake them; the goal is a lightly golden top, ensuring they remain wonderfully soft and buttery on the inside.

Ingredients

  • 200g unsalted butter
  • 130g granulated sugar
  • 1 tbsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 220g all-purpose flour

Preparation

  1. Preheat your oven to 170°C (150°C Fan / Gas Mark 3).
  2. In a saucepan, melt the butter. Bring it to a slight boil, then remove from the heat and stir in the sugar and vanilla extract until well combined.
  3. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour and baking powder. Gradually add the melted butter mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined.
  4. Mix well until a dough forms. Allow the mixture to cool slightly.
  5. Using a spoon (hence the name “spoon biscuits”), drop spoonfuls of the dough onto baking sheets lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between them as they will spread slightly.
  6. Bake for 10 to 14 minutes, or until the tops are lightly golden.
  7. Remove from the oven and let cool completely on a wire rack.