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These simple little shortbread balls originated in the town of Cascais and dates back to the 1800s. With no other flavorings besides sugar, flour and butter, the cookie is meant to make butter the star of the show. Use the best quality butter you can get for this cookie to really shine.
Ingredients
1/2 cup + 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 cup + 2 tablespoons butter, at room temperature
2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
additional granulated sugar for rolling
Directions
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Beat the butter and sugar until pale and creamy. Quickly blend the flour into the butter mixture (do not over-mix). Roll into walnut-sized balls and place on prepared baking sheet. Put the baking sheet in the refrigerator for a minimum of 30 minutes. This will help the cookies stay round and not spread. Pre-heat oven to 355F. Place additional granulated sugar in a small bowl. Bake cookies about 15 minutes; edges should be golden. Remove from oven and roll the cookies in the sugar while still hot. Allow to cool completely on wire racks.
Notes
- If desired, before baking you can also flatten the dough balls with the tines of a fork, for a flatter cookie with texture.
- Translated and adapted from the original Portuguese at Receitas e Menus.net