Portuguese Cornstarch Cookies (Biscoitos de Maizena)
These Portuguese cornstarch cookies, known as Biscoitos de Maizena, are delicate, melt-in-your-mouth treats made with simple ingredients like cornstarch, butter, and powdered sugar. Lightly flavored with citrus zest and vanilla, they bake into tender cookies with a soft, crumbly texture that pairs perfectly with coffee or tea.
Ingredients
- 500 g cornstarch
- 200 g unsalted butter softened
- 200 g powdered sugar
- 2 eggs
- zest of 1 lemon or 1 lime
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or citrus essence (lemon or orange)
- a pinch of salt
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the cornstarch, softened butter, powdered sugar, eggs, citrus zest, vanilla extract, and salt.
- Mix until a soft, smooth dough forms.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
- Preheat the oven to 170°C (340°F).
- Shape the chilled dough into small balls about 3 cm (1¼ inches) in diameter.
- Place them on a parchment-lined baking tray, leaving space between them.
- Lightly press each ball with a fork to flatten slightly and create a decorative pattern.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, until the bottoms are lightly golden.
- Allow the cookies to cool completely on the tray, as they are very fragile while warm.
- If desired, dust lightly with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
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