Biscuits au Beurre

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Biscuits au Beurre

History

Biscuits au Beurre, or Butter Biscuits, are a classic French treat known for their rich, buttery flavor and crumbly texture. Originating from France, these biscuits have been enjoyed for centuries and are often served with tea or coffee. They reflect the French penchant for simple yet elegant pastries, with butter as a central ingredient.

Ingredients

  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 2-3 tbsp milk (if needed)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour and salt.
  3. Cut in Butter: Add the cold butter cubes to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  4. Add Sugar: Stir in the granulated sugar.
  5. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolk and vanilla extract.
  6. Form Dough: Gradually add the egg mixture to the flour mixture, stirring until the dough begins to come together. If the dough is too dry, add milk, one tablespoon at a time, until it forms a cohesive dough.
  7. Chill Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
  8. Roll Out and Cut: On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about ¼ inch thickness. Use a cookie cutter to cut out shapes and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
  9. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
  10. Cool: Allow the biscuits to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Benefits

  • Simple Ingredients: Made with basic ingredients, these biscuits are easy to prepare and can be enjoyed by people with various dietary preferences.
  • Rich in Flavor: The butter provides a rich, indulgent flavor and a crumbly texture that melts in your mouth.
  • Versatile: These biscuits can be served plain or with a variety of toppings such as jam, honey, or cheese.

Methods

  • Cutting in Butter: Ensure the butter is cold to achieve a flaky texture. Using a pastry cutter or fingers helps to incorporate the butter without warming it up too much.
  • Chilling the Dough: Refrigerating the dough before baking helps to firm it up, making it easier to handle and ensuring a better texture after baking.
  • Rolling Out Dough: Roll the dough evenly to ensure that all biscuits bake uniformly.

Enjoy your Biscuits au Beurre with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful treat!

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