In the realm of Portuguese cookies, the "Washboard Cookies", known as "Lavadores" in their native tongue, stand as a testament to the country's rich culinary heritage. These delightful treats, often associated with the northern region of Portugal, particularly the cities of Porto and Braga, have captivated taste buds for generations with their unique texture and captivating flavors.
These cookies, true to their name, are characterized by their ribbed surface, resembling the washboards traditionally used for hand-washing clothes. This distinctive appearance is achieved through a meticulous shaping technique, where the dough is rolled and then pressed with a fork or a специальный инструмент, creating the characteristic ridges. The result is a cookie that is not only visually appealing but also boasts a delightful texture, with a delicate crunch yielding to a soft and chewy interior.
The flavors of the "Washboard Cookies" are equally enticing. The base recipe typically incorporates a blend of simple yet aromatic ingredients, such as flour, sugar, butter, eggs, and a hint of lemon zest or vanilla extract. However, variations abound, with some recipes adding nuts, dried fruits, or even chocolate chips to the mix. The cookies are then baked until golden brown, exuding an irresistible aroma that fills the kitchen.
Whether enjoyed as an afternoon snack, served alongside coffee or tea, or presented as a thoughtful gift, the "Washboard Cookies" are sure to delight. Their traditional charm, coupled with their delectable taste and versatility, makes them a beloved treat in Portugal and beyond. So, let's embark on a culinary journey and explore the delightful world of these ribbed cookies, unraveling the secrets behind their unique texture and captivating flavors.
LAVADORES (WASHBOARD COOKIES)
Make and share this Lavadores (Washboard Cookies) recipe from Food.com.
Provided by Lavender Lynn
Categories Dessert
Time 40m
Yield 48 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Using an electric mixer, cream the butter and 1 C of the sugar, about 1 minute.
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, blending well after each, until the batter is fluffy and pale yellow, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Stir in grated lemon peel.
- In a medium bowl, wisk together flour and baking powder.
- Using a wooden spoon, fold the flour into the egg batter.
- Mix well. Gently knead the dough in the bowl for about 5 minutes.
- Place the remaining 1/2 C of sugar in a shallow dish.
- Shape pieces of dough into 1&1/2 inch balls.
- Roll in the sugar and place on parchment-lined or lightly greased cookie sheets, 2 inches apart.
- Flatten gently with tines of a fork to make horizontal lines.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until a light golden color.
PORTUGUESE WASHBOARD COOKIES (LAVADORES)
Make and share this Portuguese Washboard Cookies (Lavadores) recipe from Food.com.
Provided by Chef Gorete
Categories Dessert
Time 35m
Yield 4 Dozen
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Mix the butter with 1 cup of the sugar on medium high-speed for 1 minute. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, blending well after each, until the mixture is fluffy and pale yellow, about 3 minutes. Stir in the lemon rind.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder & salt to combine. Fold the flour into the butter mixture using a spatula, mixing well. Gently knead the dough in the bowl for about 5 minutes.
- Place the remaining 1/2 cup sugar in a shallow dish. Using a small cookie scoop, shape pieces of dough into balls, then roll in the sugar. Place the cookes on a parchment lined or lightly greased cookie sheet, 2 inches apart. Flatten the cookies gently using the tines of a fork or make the horizontal lines.
- Bake for 18 - 20 minutes, or until a light golden colour. I like to rotate the cookie trays from top to bottom, halfway through the cooking process.
- Cool on the cookie trays for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack. Enjoy.
WASHBOARD COOKIES
Make and share this Washboard Cookies recipe from Food.com.
Provided by MizzNezz
Categories Dessert
Time 23m
Yield 4 dozen
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Cream butter, brown sugar, and egg.
- Stir together baking soda and water.
- Add to creamed mixture.
- Add flour and mix well.
- Shape into walnut sized balls.
- Place on greased cookie sheets.
- Flatten with fork.
- Sprinkle with sugar.
- Bake at 325F degrees for 15 minutes.
Tips:
- Use high-quality butter for the best flavor and texture.
- Make sure the butter is very cold before adding it to the dough. This will help to create a flaky crust.
- Work the dough quickly to avoid overworking it. Overworked dough will be tough and chewy.
- Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This will help to prevent the cookies from spreading too much in the oven.
- Bake the cookies in a preheated oven. This will help to ensure that they cook evenly.
- Let the cookies cool completely before serving. This will help to prevent them from crumbling.
Conclusion:
Portuguese Washboard Cookies (Lavadores) are a delicious and unique treat that are perfect for any occasion. They are easy to make and can be customized to your own taste. These cookies are a great way to use up leftover egg yolks, and they are also a fun project to do with kids. Just be sure to supervise them carefully when they are using the grater. With their flaky crust and sweet, buttery filling, Portuguese Washboard Cookies (Lavadores) are sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them.
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