20 Portuguese Sugar Cookie Recipe You Must Try Them!
Published on: Mar 10, 2024
Portuguese sugar cookies, also known as "Bolinhos de Açúcar," are a beloved treat in Portugal and beyond. These simple yet flavorful cookies are a staple in Portuguese households and are often served during special occasions and holidays. If you're looking to add a touch of Portuguese culture to your baking repertoire, then look no further than this delicious and easy-to-follow recipe.
This hearty and flavorful dish is a staple in Portuguese cuisine. Made with a variety of seafood, including cod, shrimp, and mussels, and simmered in a rich tomato and wine broth, this fish stew is sure to please any seafood lover. Serve with some crusty bread to soak up all the delicious broth.
This traditional Portuguese beef stew, also known as caçoila, is made with tender chunks of beef, onions, garlic, and spices. The meat is slow-cooked until it falls apart, creating a rich and flavorful dish that is perfect for a cozy night in.
3of 20
Portuguese Orange Cake
Main Ingredients: Butter, Granulated Sugar, Large Eggs, Oranges, All
This moist and citrusy cake is a must-try for any dessert lover. Made with fresh oranges, it has a delicate and light flavor that pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee or tea. Top it off with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.
4of 20
Portuguese Chickpea Salad
Main Ingredients: Chickpeas, Yellow Onion, Red Bell Pepper, Garlic, Fresh
This refreshing salad is a great side dish for any meal. Made with canned chickpeas, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a zesty vinaigrette, it's packed with flavor and nutrients. For added protein, try adding some grilled chicken or shrimp.
Kale lovers, rejoice! This traditional soup combines hearty kale with potatoes, beans, and linguica sausage for a comforting and satisfying meal. Don't forget to serve it with a slice of crusty bread for dipping.
This simple and delicious dish is a staple in Portuguese households. Made with canned beans, onions, garlic, and spicy linguica sausage, it's a quick and easy meal that can be enjoyed any day of the week.
Also known as pastel de nata, these custard tarts are a popular Portuguese dessert. The flaky pastry crust is filled with a creamy and sweet custard, creating the perfect balance of textures and flavors. Try them warm with a sprinkle of cinnamon on top for an extra special treat.
This simple and healthy dish is a great way to enjoy fresh fish. The fish is baked with a variety of herbs and spices, creating a delicious and flavorful meal. For a complete Portuguese experience, serve it with some rice and a side of vegetables.
9of 20
Spicy Portuguese Shrimp
Main Ingredients: Large Shallot, Garlic, Olive Oil, Shrimp, White Wine
This dish is for those who love a little heat in their meals. Made with shrimp, garlic, and hot sauce, it's a quick and easy meal that packs a punch in both flavor and spice. Serve it over a bed of rice to balance out the heat.
10of 20
Portuguese Style Baked Eggs
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Red Bell Peppers, Onion, Garlic, Crushed Red
This breakfast dish is a great way to start your day. Eggs are baked in a tasty tomato and sausage sauce, creating a hearty and flavorful meal. Don't forget to dip your bread into the sauce for a delicious breakfast experience.
11of 20
Portuguese Chicken and Crispy Potatoes
Main Ingredients: Chicken, Potatoes, Marinade, Ancho Chilies, Smoked
This dish is a crowd-pleaser for sure. Tender chicken is roasted with potatoes, onions, and a variety of herbs and spices, creating a flavorful and comforting meal that everyone will love. Make sure to use bone-in chicken for maximum flavor.
This spicy shrimp dish is a must-try for any seafood lover. The shrimp is cooked in a flavorful sauce made with beer, garlic, and hot sauce, creating a mouthwatering combination of flavors. Serve it over rice to soak up all the delicious sauce.
13of 20
Peri-peri Chicken, the Spicy Portuguese Chicken
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Chili, Garlic, Lemon, Paprika, Bay Leaf
This famous Portuguese dish is known for its spicy and flavorful peri-peri sauce. The chicken is marinated in the sauce and then grilled to perfection, creating a delicious and tender meal. For an authentic taste, try making your own peri-peri sauce using fresh chilies.
14of 20
Portuguese Rolls – Papo Secos
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Salt, Sugar, Active Dry Yeast, Warm
These soft and fluffy rolls are a staple in Portuguese cuisine. They are perfect for sandwiches or to accompany any meal. Spread some butter or cheese on top for a tasty snack.
15of 20
Portuguese Style Parisienne Potatoes
Main Ingredients: Potatoes, Olive Oil, Garlic Salt, Paprika, Dried
These potatoes are a delicious and unique side dish. They are cooked in a flavorful sauce made with butter, garlic, and paprika, creating a rich and creamy texture. Make sure to serve them hot for the best experience.
16of 20
French toast (Portuguese style)
Main Ingredients: Bread, Milk, Eggs, Sugar, Cinnamon, Vegetable Oil
This twist on the classic French toast is a must-try for breakfast lovers. The bread is soaked in a mixture of eggs, milk, and cinnamon, and then fried to perfection. Serve it with some fresh fruit and a drizzle of honey or maple syrup for a delicious start to your day.
17of 20
Portuguese Daisy
Main Ingredients: Port Wine, Brandy, Lemon Juice, Simple Syrup, Grenadine
This refreshing cocktail is a popular choice in Portugal. Made with gin, lemon juice, and grenadine, it's a sweet and tangy drink that is perfect for sipping on a hot summer day.
Scallops are a delicacy in Portuguese cuisine, and this recipe showcases them perfectly. The scallops are pan-seared and then served with a flavorful sauce made with wine, garlic, and herbs. Don't overcook the scallops, as they can become tough and chewy.
19of 20
Portuguese Grilled Pork Ribs
Main Ingredients: Pork Rib, White Wine, Garlic, Fresh Thyme, Olive Oil
These tender and juicy ribs are a must-try for any meat lover. The ribs are marinated in a delicious blend of spices and then grilled to perfection. Serve them with some grilled vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.
These miniature versions of the traditional Portuguese egg tart are perfect for parties or as a sweet treat. The flaky pastry crust is filled with a creamy and rich custard, creating a bite-sized dessert that will leave you wanting more. Top them with some fresh berries for a pop of color and added flavor.
The Importance of Quality Ingredients
When it comes to making the perfect Portuguese sugar cookies, quality ingredients are key. This traditional recipe calls for butter, sugar, flour, eggs, and lemon zest, all of which should be of the highest quality. Butter is the base of these cookies and gives them their rich and buttery flavor. Make sure to use unsalted butter for this recipe to avoid a salty taste. Sugar adds sweetness and helps to create a light and airy texture. For the best results, use granulated sugar and beat it with the butter until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect cookie texture. Flour provides structure and stability to the cookies, while eggs help to bind everything together. Adding a touch of lemon zest adds a subtle citrus note that elevates the flavor of these cookies to new heights.
The Secret Ingredient: Anise Extract
One of the key ingredients in this recipe is anise extract. This aromatic and slightly sweet extract is made from the seeds of the anise plant and is commonly used in Portuguese cuisine. Its unique flavor adds a depth of taste to these sugar cookies and gives them a distinctive Portuguese twist. If you can't find anise extract, you can substitute it with vanilla extract, but the flavor won't be quite the same. Adding anise extract is a must for an authentic Portuguese sugar cookie experience.
Making Your Own Cookie Cutter
One of the fun and unique aspects of this recipe is that it calls for homemade cookie cutters. In Portugal, it is common to use tin cans or bottle caps to create the shape of the cookies. This adds a personal touch to the cookies and makes them even more special. Simply cut the desired shape out of the tin can or bottle cap and voila, you have your very own cookie cutter. Alternatively, you can use cookie cutters in the shape of Portugal's iconic landmarks, such as the Torre de Belém or the Azulejo tile, to add a touch of Portuguese pride to your cookies.
Get Creative with Your Decorations
While traditional Portuguese sugar cookies are simply dusted with powdered sugar, you can get creative with your decorations. Use colored sugar, sprinkles, or even royal icing to add a pop of color and personality to your cookies. You can also cut out different shapes and sizes to add variety to your cookie platter. Not only will this make your cookies look more appealing, but it also allows you to personalize them for different occasions, such as Christmas, Easter, or a Portuguese-themed party.
In conclusion, Portuguese sugar cookies are a delicious and easy-to-make treat that will transport your taste buds to the sunny streets of Portugal. With quality ingredients, the secret touch of anise extract, and some creative decorations, you can recreate an authentic Portuguese experience right in your own kitchen. So why not give this recipe a try and indulge in a taste of Portugal today?