Santa’s Buttons

A magical recipe, perfect for winter holidays! Santa’s Buttons are delicious, tender, and full of festive flavors. Ideal to enjoy alongside a cup of tea or warm milk, these cookies are easy to prepare and will bring smiles to everyone who tastes them.

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Ingredients:

• 1½ cups of freshly sifted flour
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ½ stick of butter (half-melted)
• A pinch of salt
• 2 egg yolks
• ½ packet baking powder
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger

Preparation Method:

Dough Preparation:

1. In a large bowl, combine the sifted flour, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and ginger.
2. Add the half-melted butter to the dry ingredients and knead until you obtain a crumbly texture.
3. Incorporate the egg yolks and continue kneading until you have a soft, playdough-like dough. If the dough is too soft, add a little more flour (depending on the type of flour used).

Resting the Dough:

1. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
2. Remove from the fridge and knead lightly to restore elasticity.

Shaping the Buttons:

1. On a floured surface, roll the dough out to about 0.5 cm thickness.
2. Use two round cutters of different sizes (one larger and one smaller) to cut out button shapes.
3. With a drinking straw, poke four holes in the center of each button to mimic authentic buttons.

Baking:

1. Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving space between them.
2. Bake in the preheated oven at 180 °C for 15–20 minutes, depending on your oven.
3. The cookies should remain slightly soft to the touch when removed; as they cool on a wire rack, they will become tender and perfect.

Why are they called “Santa’s Buttons”?
The name “Santa’s Buttons” comes from the unique shape of the cookies, which resemble the buttons on Santa’s festive coat. This idea adds a storybook element and holiday magic, turning the recipe into a joyful, thematic treat.

How do ginger and cinnamon contribute to the cookies’ flavor?
Ginger and cinnamon are classic winter spices, adding a warm, spicy, and slightly sweet aroma to the cookies. They complement the brown sugar and butter, creating a perfect combination that evokes the holiday spirit.

What type of flour is recommended?
Use freshly sifted all-purpose or pastry flour for a light, uniform dough. For a more rustic texture and taste, you can replace part of it with whole-wheat flour.

Why is it important to chill the dough?
Chilling allows the butter to solidify and the flour to absorb the liquids evenly, resulting in a firmer dough that’s easier to shape. It also prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking.

How can the cookies be personalized for extra creativity?
Decorate with colored icing, sugar sprinkles, or melted chocolate for a festive look. You can also add orange zest or a few drops of vanilla extract to diversify the flavors.

What are tips to avoid overbaking?
Remove the cookies when they are slightly soft to the touch, as they firm up as they cool. Monitor baking time closely to prevent excessive drying.

How can you keep the cookies tender for longer?
Store them in an airtight tin in a cool, dry place. Adding an apple slice to the container helps maintain the dough’s moisture and keeps the cookies tender for days.

What drinks pair best with Santa’s Buttons?
These festive cookies pair wonderfully with winter-flavored teas (such as cinnamon or orange), warm milk, or hot chocolate. These beverages complement the cookies’ warm, holiday flavors.

How can the recipe be adapted for food intolerances?
For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free flour or almond flour. Replace the butter with a vegan margarine, and substitute egg yolks with a flaxseed “egg” (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp water) or applesauce.

How can children be involved in making these cookies?
Kids can have fun cutting out the buttons and poking the holes with a straw. This activity stimulates creativity and turns cookie-making into a fun, educational family experience.