Description
Delicate butter biscuit bites merge classic French pastry techniques with modern culinary finesse. Crisp edges and rich flavor profile will delight palates seeking authentic, elegant treats for afternoon tea or sophisticated dessert moments.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup plus 2 tbsps all-purpose or cake flour
- ½ cup butter (softened to room temperature)
- ½ cup powdered sugar (sifted before measuring)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (for coating)
- 1 egg yolk (at room temperature)
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Creaming: Vigorously whip butter and powdered sugar until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale, using a spatula to incorporate air and create a smooth base.
- Flavor Integration: Introduce egg yolk and vanilla extract, stirring thoroughly to ensure a harmonious blend and consistent texture throughout the mixture.
- Dough Formation: Delicately sift flour into the creamed mixture, folding gently to develop a silky, manageable dough without overworking or developing gluten.
- Chilling Preparation: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 20 minutes, allowing it to rest and firm up, which enhances the biscuits’ final texture.
- Shaping: Divide the chilled dough into two equal logs, rolling each to approximately 4 inches long and 1 inch in diameter, ensuring symmetrical shape and even baking.
- Freezing: Tightly wrap the logs in plastic film and freeze for 45 minutes to solidify the dough and make slicing more precise.
- Oven Preparation: Preheat the oven to 356°F (180°C or 160°C with fan), and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat for optimal baking surface.
- Sugar Coating: Remove frozen logs and thoroughly coat their exterior with granulated sugar, creating a sweet, crystalline layer that will caramelize during baking.
- Slicing and Arranging: Cut each sugared log into ⅜ inch thick disks, maintaining consistent thickness, and place on the prepared baking sheet with ample spacing.
- Baking: Bake for 15-18 minutes until the edges transform into a rich golden brown, signaling perfect caramelization and crisp texture.
- Cooling: Allow biscuits to rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to complete the cooling process and set the structure.
- Serving: Present these delicate, melt-in-your-mouth butter biscuit bites at room temperature, ready to be savored and enjoyed.
Notes
- Butter Temperature: Use softened butter at room temperature for smoother, more consistent creaming.
- Sugar Texture: Powdered sugar creates a more delicate, fine crumb compared to granulated sugar.
- Dough Handling: Minimal handling prevents gluten development, ensuring tender, melt-in-your-mouth biscuits.
- Freezing Technique: Freezing logs helps maintain shape and creates clean, precise cuts for uniform baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 25
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 30 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg