Ingredients
8 oz unsalted butter, softened (226g / 2 sticks)
1/2 cup granulated sugar (3.5oz / 100g)
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 egg yolk
4-5 teaspoons milk
2 cups all purpose flour (9.2oz / 260g)
5.5 oz semi-sweet chocolate, melted (¾ cup, chopped)
Sprinkles if desired.
Instructions
• Preheat the oven to 350F. Line two baking trays with baking paper.
• WET INGREDIENTS: Beat together the butter, sugar egg yolk, vanilla and 3 teaspoons of milk together for a few minutes until well combined and looking a little creamy.
• DRY INGREDIENTS: Add the flour in two or three parts, beating until well incorporated and it turns to soft dough.
• PREP FOR PIPING: Transfer a little of the dough to a medium piping bag with an open star piping tip.
• TEST: Test pipe a rose holding the bag directly upright and about half an inch from the tray. If it cracks or breaks or you can’t pipe it, return it to the bowl and beat in a little more milk. Don’t add too much. The consistency should be thick and still require some pressure to pipe but should pipe smoothly. See notes.
• PIPE: Once you’re happy with the consistency, pipe rosettes of dough about 2 inches wide, leaving 2 inches space between each so they have room to spread.
• CHILL: Chilling is optional but doing this for 10-15 minutes may keep your design even more defined.
• BAKE: Bake for around 14 minutes or until just starting to turn golden on the edges.Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
• DECORATE: Line a baking tray with baking paper. Dip half of each cooled cookie in chocolate, scraping the base on the edge of the bowl, then place on the tray and add sprinkles if you like. Let them set in the fridge for ½ an hour.
Notes
• There’s no need to beat the butter mixture too long as it may soften your piped design on baking.
• I find a stand mixer best for this thick dough but a handheld electric beater and some elbow grease at the end will work too.
• Different brands of flours will absorb different amounts of moisture which matters in this dough. Only add enough milk that, while still requiring pressure to pipe, you can pipe it smoothly. Too soft and you won’t get the defined design on top.
• Decorating: You can add a variety of sprinkles to suit the season. You could even sprinkle over granulated or turbinado sugar before baking.
• Piping: You don’t have to pipe these cookies. You could just scoop like regular cookies, or use a cookie press. You can also roll the dough into logs and place in the freezer for 1 hour. Later, slice and bake.
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