Ingredients

For the Sunflower Butter Cookies:

• 160 g unsalted butter (softened)
• 100 g powdered sugar (azúcar glass)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 large egg (60 g)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla essence (esencia de vainilla)
• 320 g all-purpose wheat flour (harina de trigo todo uso)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder (polvo para hornear)
• 8 g cocoa powder

Additional Tools Needed:

• 6 cm diameter cookie cutter
• Small spoon
• Small fork
• Bottle cap (tapita de refresco)

Steps to Make Sunflower Butter Cookies

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Total Time: 30-35 minutes
Servings: Makes about 20-25 cookies
Calories per cookie: ~120 kcal

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheets

1. Begin by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar 2. In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and powdered sugar together until light and fluffy. This can be done with an electric mixer on medium speed, or by hand using a whisk. The goal is to break down the sugar into the butter so the mixture becomes pale and airy.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients 3. Add the egg and vanilla essence to the butter-sugar mixture, and continue mixing until everything is well combined. The mixture should be smooth and free of lumps.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients 4. In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, cocoa powder, and salt. Sifting ensures that there are no lumps and that the ingredients are evenly distributed, which helps in creating a smooth dough.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients 5. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing well after each addition. Start by adding half the dry mix, stir until it begins to combine, then add the rest of the flour mixture. Be gentle to avoid overworking the dough, as this can make the cookies tough.

Step 6: Shape the Cookies 6. Once the dough is fully combined, roll it into small balls using your hands. Each ball should be about 1 tablespoon of dough. Place each ball of dough on the prepared baking sheet, leaving enough space between each for spreading. 7. Flatten each ball slightly using the bottom of a small spoon or a bottle cap to create a round, flat shape. 8. Use a small fork to gently press into each cookie, creating a crisscross pattern on top.

Step 7: Bake the Cookies 9. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Be careful not to overbake, as the cookies will continue to cook slightly once removed from the oven.

Step 8: Cool the Cookies 10. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Why These Sunflower Butter Cookies Are Timeless

These Sunflower Butter Cookies are more than just a delicious snack—they’re a reminder of how simple ingredients can create something extraordinary. The recipe calls for pantry staples like flour, sugar, eggs, and cocoa powder, making it an easy option for an impromptu baking session when you have guests coming over or just want a comforting treat.

What makes this recipe timeless is its versatility. The cookies have a subtle nutty flavor thanks to the sunflower butter, but you can easily substitute this with peanut butter or any nut butter you prefer. The addition of cocoa powder gives the cookies a slight chocolatey flavor, but they can be made entirely without it if you prefer a more neutral taste.

Furthermore, these cookies are incredibly easy to make, requiring only basic tools and about 30 minutes of your time. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a beginner, you’ll be able to create these cookies with ease, making it a perfect recipe to pass down through generations. With their soft texture and sweet flavor, these cookies are sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire.

Nutrition Facts (per cookie)

• Calories: ~120 kcal
• Protein: 1.2g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Dietary Fiber: 0.5g
• Sugars: 7g
• Total Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Cholesterol: 20mg
• Sodium: 60mg
• Calcium: 2% DV
• Iron: 4% DV

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, margarine can be used in place of butter, but it will slightly change the texture and flavor of the cookies. Butter provides a richer flavor and helps achieve a crispier texture.

2. What can I substitute for sunflower butter?
If you don’t have sunflower butter, you can substitute it with peanut butter, almond butter, or cashew butter, depending on your preference. Each will add a slightly different flavor to the cookies.

3. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, to make these cookies gluten-free, simply replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that the blend contains a binding agent like xanthan gum to maintain the cookie’s texture.

4. How can I make these cookies sweeter?
If you prefer sweeter cookies, you can increase the amount of powdered sugar or add chocolate chips to the dough. For an extra touch of sweetness, you can drizzle melted chocolate over the cookies once they have cooled.

Tips for Making the Best Sunflower Butter Cookies

• Room Temperature Butter: Ensure the butter is soft enough to cream well with the sugar. If the butter is too cold, it will be difficult to achieve the desired smooth, fluffy consistency.
• Don’t Overmix: When combining the dry and wet ingredients, mix until just combined to avoid overworking the dough and making the cookies dense.
• Chill the Dough (Optional): If you have time, chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before baking will help prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking, resulting in a thicker texture.
• Cookie Shape: Use a cookie cutter or fork to ensure uniform shapes and sizes. This will help the cookies bake evenly and give them a more professional look.

Storage Tips

• Room Temperature: Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5-7 days. They will stay fresh and soft.
• Freezing: These cookies freeze well! Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw at room temperature for a few hours or warm them in the microwave for a few seconds.

Conclusion

These Sunflower Butter Cookies offer a perfect balance of sweetness, richness, and simplicity. They are an easy-to-make treat that’s perfect for sharing with family and friends or enjoying as a snack on your own. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe offers a delicious, no-fuss way to create homemade cookies that everyone will love. The combination of sunflower butter, cocoa powder, and the soft, buttery texture of the cookies makes them a standout treat.

With the flexibility to swap out ingredients based on what you have on hand, this recipe is one that you can make over and over again with slight variations to keep things interesting. The ability to customize these cookies makes them a timeless recipe that will continue to bring joy to your kitchen for years to come. Happy baking!