Galletas Marías: the name alone evokes a sense of cozy nostalgia. These unassuming yet utterly delightful cookies, with their delicate sweetness and signature pale golden hue, are a beloved staple in kitchens across Latin America and beyond. Whether enjoyed with a warm cup of coffee or tea, crumbled over creamy desserts, or simply savored on their own, Galletas Marías offer a taste of pure comfort.
Intrigued by their simple elegance, I embarked on a quest to recreate these classic cookies in my own kitchen. To my surprise, the process was incredibly straightforward, requiring only a handful of pantry staples and a dash of patience. The result? A batch of crisp, buttery cookies that transported me straight back to my grandmother’s kitchen.
In this article, I’m excited to guide you through the steps of crafting your own batch of homemade Galletas Marías. Get ready to discover the joy of baking these timeless treats from scratch!
Gather Your Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make a batch of melt-in-your-mouth Galletas Marías:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer (optional, but helpful)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
Let’s Make Some Cookie Magic!
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Cream Together the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial for creating that airy texture characteristic of Galletas Marías.
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Incorporate the Egg Yolk and Vanilla: Beat in the egg yolk and vanilla extract until well combined.
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Gradually Add the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just incorporated. Be careful not to overmix the dough, which can result in tough cookies.
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Chill Out: Shape the dough into a disc, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This step allows the gluten in the flour to relax, preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
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Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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Roll and Cut: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about ¼-inch thickness. Use a round cookie cutter (about 2 inches in diameter) to cut out the cookies.
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Prick the Tops: Using a fork, prick the tops of each cookie several times. This step helps to prevent air pockets from forming during baking.
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Bake to Perfection: Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
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Cool and Enjoy: Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet before serving.
Galletas Marías dough
Tips and Tricks for Cookie Success
- For a crispier cookie: Bake for a minute or two longer.
- Don’t have a cookie cutter? No problem! Simply cut the dough into squares or use a glass to make circles.
- Store your Galletas Marías in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
FAQs About Making Galletas Marías
Q: Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
A: While you can use salted butter in a pinch, I recommend sticking to unsalted butter for this recipe as it allows you to control the salt content more precisely.
Q: Can I freeze the cookie dough?
A: Absolutely! The dough can be frozen for up to 3 months. Simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before rolling and baking.
Baked Galletas Marías
A Taste of Tradition
Making Galletas Marías is more than just following a recipe; it’s about connecting with a rich culinary heritage. As you savor the buttery goodness of these classic cookies, remember that you’re indulging in a taste of history, passed down through generations.
So go ahead, roll up your sleeves, and experience the simple joy of baking homemade Galletas Marías. You might be surprised at how easy it is to create magic in your own kitchen!
