Madrid Twists
Madrid Twists are crunchy, sweet cookies with a hint of orange flavor, perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying alongside a cup of tea or coffee.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a small mixer bowl, with an electric mixer at medium speed, cream the butter or margarine and sugar.
- Mix in the egg, egg yolk, and grated orange peel.
- Reserve the egg white for brushing the cookies.
- Gradually stir in the all-purpose flour until just combined.
- With hands, form the dough into a ball.
- Wrap the dough and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Grease two large cookie sheets.
- Divide the chilled dough into four equal quarters.
- Work with one quarter at a time, keeping the remaining refrigerated.
- Cut each quarter into 12 pieces.
- Roll each piece into a 5-inch rope on a lightly floured surface.
- Place the ropes on the prepared cookie sheets and bend in the middle.
- Twist one end tightly around the other to form a twist.
- Brush the twists with beaten egg white.
- Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until lightly golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using unsalted butter instead of margarine. If you're out of orange peel, lemon zest can serve as a suitable substitute. To avoid overly sticky dough, ensure your flour is properly measured. Additionally, if you prefer a sweeter twist, you can sprinkle a bit of sugar on top before baking.
Serving Suggestions
These delightful twists can be served as a snack or dessert and pair wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee. For a festive touch, consider serving them alongside Meringue Cookies, which are also known as Suspiros, Spanish for 'Sighs.' Their light texture complements the richness of the twists perfectly.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Madrid Twists in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate them for up to a week. Reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-7 minutes to restore their crispness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Madrid Twists contains roughly 24 calories, with 0g protein, 5g carbohydrates, and 0g fat.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I don't have an electric mixer?
No worries! You can use a whisk or a wooden spoon to cream the butter and sugar manually. It may take a bit more effort, but you'll achieve a similar texture. Just ensure the butter is softened for easier mixing.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).