The Story Behind the Recipe
Nestled in the picturesque countryside of France, these golden, melt-in-your-mouth cottage cheese biscuits carry with them a rich culinary heritage that speaks to the heart of traditional French baking. Passed down through generations, this recipe is more than just a simple treat – it’s a delectable piece of family history that has brought joy and warmth to countless gatherings.
Ingredients
- Cottage Cheese: 250 g (8.8 oz / 1 cup)
- Eggs: 2 large pieces
- Salt: A pinch (approximately 1/8 tsp)
- Sugar: 200 g (7 oz / 1 cup)
- Vegetable Oil: 100 ml (3.4 fl oz / 1/2 cup)
- All-Purpose Flour: 300 g (10.5 oz / 2 1/2 cups)
- Baking Powder: 1 tsp
- Powdered Sugar (for topping): 150 g (5.3 oz / 1 1/2 cups)
- Lemon Juice: 1 tsp
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese and eggs. Whisk until smooth and well incorporated.
- Add the salt, sugar, and vegetable oil to the mixture. Stir until the sugar begins to dissolve.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the flour and baking powder to ensure no lumps remain.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
- Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded portions of the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each biscuit.
- Bake for 30 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown and slightly firm to the touch.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for 5-10 minutes.
- Mix the powdered sugar with lemon juice to create a light glaze.
- Drizzle or dust the biscuits with the powdered sugar mixture before serving.
Nutritional Information
- Serving Size: 1 biscuit
- Calories: Approximately 120
- Total Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Protein: 3g
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12-15 biscuits
Cooking Tips and Tricks
- For extra fluffiness, ensure your eggs are at room temperature before mixing.
- Don’t overmix the dough – this can lead to tough biscuits.
- Use a light hand when shaping the biscuits to keep them tender.
- For a more pronounced lemon flavor, add some lemon zest to the dough.
Variations and Substitutions
- Swap cottage cheese with ricotta for a different texture.
- Add vanilla extract for additional flavor.
- Use whole wheat flour for a nuttier, more nutritious version.
- Incorporate dried fruits or nuts into the dough for extra interest.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I freeze these biscuits? A: Yes, these biscuits freeze well for up to 2 months. Store in an airtight container and reheat in the oven before serving.
Q: Can I make these dairy-free? A: Try using a non-dairy cottage cheese alternative and plant-based eggs.
Q: How do I know when the biscuits are done? A: Look for a golden-brown color and a slightly firm touch. They should spring back when gently pressed.
Q: Can I reduce the sugar? A: Yes, you can reduce the sugar to 150g, but it may affect the texture and sweetness.
Q: Are these biscuits good for breakfast? A: Absolutely! They’re perfect with coffee or tea and make a delightful morning treat.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days.
- For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Reheat in the oven at 160°C (320°F) for 5 minutes to restore freshness.
- Can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator before baking.
Enjoy these delightful French cottage cheese biscuits – a true testament to the simple yet sublime pleasures of home baking!