May 27: Biscochitos

Biscochitos

Ingredients:
3 cups (13.5 oz) all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup (6.8 oz) shortening (or lard)
3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 to 4 tablespoons milk, or as needed
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1. Preheat the oven to 350 and place a rack in the center. Have ready two ungreased baking sheets.
2. Mix the flour, baking powder, and salt together in a medium-size bowl; set aside.
3. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, or in a large mixing bowl, using a handheld electric mixer, beat the shortening and 3/4 cup of the sugar on medium speed until creamy. Beat in the egg and vanilla. By hand or using the lowest speed of the mixer, stir in the flour mixture until you have a thick dough. If it seems too dry, add milk 1 tablespoon at a time until it feels easier to manage. Flour a work surface and roll out a portion of the dough about 1/4 inch thick. Using a flower-or-pig-shaped cutter, cut a shape and place it on a prepared baking sheet. Continue until all your dough is cut. Mix together the cinnamon and remaining 2 tablespoons of sugar. Sprinkle over the cutouts. Bake one sheet at a time for 9-12  minutes, or until the cookies appear set -- the edges don't brown much. Let cool on the baking sheets for about 4 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Addition of eggs and vanilla

Addition of dry ingredients

I used 4 tablespoons milk

I eventually used the counter instead

Cinnamon sugar mixture

Thoughts: I am not a cutout person...at all. At Christmas time, I never make them and usually I don't like them because they are dry. This cookie made me so frustrated that I was ready to throw the batter out the window!! It creates this giant mess that it is a pain to clean up and gets everywhere. I started using a rolling pin but that wasn't helping so eventually I just used my hands to smooth and roll out the dough. I was worried that the cookies were going to come out dry because the dough was pretty stiff, but they came out ok. Patrick liked them and I thought it was ok...for a cutout.