How to Make Ermine Cookies: A Classic Treat Made Easy

Ermine cookies, also known as “forgotten cookies” or “melt-in-your-mouth cookies,” are a delightful treat that transports you back to childhood. These cookies are known for their delicate texture, achieved through a unique cooked frosting that’s whipped into the dough. The result? A cookie so light, airy, and tender, it practically melts in your mouth.

Intrigued? I’ll guide you through each step of making these delectable cookies. You’ll be amazed at how simple they are to make, even if you’re a baking novice. Let’s get started!

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Cookie Dough:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• ½ teaspoon salt

For the Ermine Frosting:

• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Tools to Gather:

• 2 medium saucepans
• Whisk
• Electric mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
• Wire rack

Let’s Bake!

Making the Ermine Frosting:

1. Combine dry ingredients: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the granulated sugar and flour.
2. Gradually whisk in milk: Slowly pour in the milk while continuously whisking to prevent lumps from forming.
3. Cook over medium heat: Cook the mixture, stirring constantly, until it thickens to a pudding-like consistency. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
4. Cool completely: Transfer the cooked frosting to a bowl and press plastic wrap directly onto the surface to prevent a skin from forming. Let it cool to room temperature.
5. Whip in butter and vanilla: Once the frosting is cool, beat in the softened butter with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Preparing the Cookie Dough:

1. Cream butter and sugar: In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Beat in eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
3. Incorporate dry ingredients: Gradually add the flour and salt to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
4. Chill the dough: Cover the dough tightly and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This will prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking.

Assembling and Baking the Cookies:

1. Preheat oven and prepare baking sheets: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
2. Roll out the dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about ¼-inch thickness.
3. Cut out cookies: Use your favorite cookie cutters to cut out desired shapes.
4. Bake to perfection: Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
5. Cool completely: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

The Final Touch:

Once the cookies are completely cool, frost them with the prepared ermine frosting. You can spread the frosting evenly or get creative with piping techniques!

Tips and Tricks for the Best Ermine Cookies:

• Don’t overcook the frosting: The frosting should be thick like pudding but not overly dry. If it becomes too thick, add a tablespoon of milk at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
• Use high-quality butter: Since butter is a key ingredient in both the dough and the frosting, using high-quality butter will significantly enhance the flavor and texture of your cookies.
• Chill the dough thoroughly: Chilling the dough is crucial for preventing excessive spreading during baking. If you’re short on time, you can freeze the dough for 15-20 minutes before rolling and baking.
• Get creative with flavors: While vanilla is the classic flavoring for ermine frosting, you can experiment with other extracts like almond, lemon, or even coffee.

FAQs about Ermine Cookies:

Q: Can I make the frosting ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can make the frosting up to 2 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Allow it to come to room temperature and give it a good whisk before frosting the cookies.

Q: My cookies turned out a bit crispy. What went wrong?
A: Overbaking can lead to crispier cookies. Make sure to keep a close eye on them while they bake and take them out as soon as the edges start to turn golden brown.

Q: Can I freeze ermine cookies?
A: You bet! These cookies freeze beautifully. Once they’re completely cool, arrange them in a single layer in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months.

A Sweet Conclusion:

Making ermine cookies is a delightful baking experience that results in a truly special treat. With their delicate texture and melt-in-your-mouth goodness, these cookies are perfect for any occasion, from casual gatherings to elegant celebrations. Now that you have the recipe and tips, it’s time to preheat those ovens and create your own batch of these classic cookies! Don’t forget to share your baking experience and delicious results with us in the comments below. Happy baking!

Ermine Cookie Dough

Baked Ermine Cookies

Frosted Ermine Cookies

Do you love cookies? Check out this recipe for delicious eggless sugar cookies.