Putri Salju, which translates to “snow princess” in Indonesian, is a beloved cookie that perfectly embodies its name. These delicate, crescent-shaped cookies are coated in a generous blanket of powdered sugar, resembling pristine snowdrifts. One bite, and you’ll understand why they’re a staple during festive occasions, particularly Eid al-Fitr, in Indonesia and beyond.
Their allure lies not only in their appearance but also in their melt-in-your-mouth texture and subtly sweet, buttery flavor. Today, I’m excited to share my tried-and-true recipe for Putri Salju, allowing you to recreate these delightful cookies in your own kitchen and share the joy with your loved ones.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To embark on this baking adventure, gather the following ingredients:
- 250 grams (2 cups) all-purpose flour, sifted
- 100 grams (7 tablespoons) powdered sugar, plus extra for dusting
- 200 grams (1 cup) unsalted butter, softened at room temperature
- 50 grams (1/2 cup) cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for a warm flavor variation)
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer (optional, but recommended for creaming butter)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Fine-mesh sieve
Let’s Make Putri Salju!
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Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. An electric mixer on medium speed works best for this, but you can also use a spatula or wooden spoon with a bit of elbow grease.
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Incorporate Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the sifted flour, cornstarch, salt, and cinnamon (if using). Gradually add this dry mixture to the creamed butter and sugar, mixing on low speed or gently folding with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
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Add Vanilla Extract: Stir in the vanilla extract, which adds a lovely aromatic note to the cookies.
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Chill the Dough: Shape the dough into a disc, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
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Preheat and Prepare: While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
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Shape the Cookies: Once chilled, take the dough out of the refrigerator. Using your hands or a cookie cutter, shape the dough into crescent moons or your preferred shapes.
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Bake to Perfection: Arrange the shaped cookies on the prepared baking sheets, leaving a little space between each. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies turn a light golden brown.
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Powdered Sugar Coating: While the cookies are still warm, gently roll them in powdered sugar. Once they have cooled completely, roll them in powdered sugar once more for that irresistible snowy coating.
Putri Salju Cookies
Tips and Tricks for the Best Putri Salju
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Softened Butter is Key: Ensure your butter is genuinely softened to room temperature for optimal creaminess. Cold butter won’t incorporate well with the sugar.
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Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the dough can develop gluten, resulting in tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
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Chilling is Crucial: Don’t skip chilling the dough! It helps the cookies hold their shape and prevents excessive spreading.
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Powdered Sugar Coating: For an extra indulgent coating, roll the cookies in powdered sugar twice—once when they’re warm and again when they’re completely cool.
FAQs about Making Putri Salju
Q: Can I use margarine instead of butter?
While margarine can be used as a substitute, keep in mind that it may slightly alter the flavor and texture of the cookies. For the most authentic taste and texture, using butter is recommended.
Q: How should I store Putri Salju?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 2 months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.
Q: Can I add other flavorings to the dough?
Absolutely! While the classic recipe relies on vanilla, feel free to experiment with other flavors like almond extract, lemon zest, or even a pinch of cardamom for a unique twist.
Shaping Putri Salju Dough
Conclusion
Making Putri Salju at home is a rewarding baking experience. The process is straightforward, the ingredients are simple, and the result is a batch of delightful cookies that will impress your family and friends. So gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to create these melt-in-your-mouth treats. Happy baking!
