Husmašice are traditional cookies originating from Bosnia and Herzegovina, but they are also commonly made in other parts of the Balkans. Their distinctive taste, simple preparation, and moist texture have made them a beloved treat at many gatherings. These cookies are perfect for family celebrations, but also for an everyday snack with a cup of tea or coffee. Preparing husmašice is not difficult, and the result is simply delicious. Below is a detailed recipe on how to make these tasty cookies.
Ingredients:
To make husmašice, you will need the following:
- 500 g of flour
- 200 g of butter or margarine (butter is recommended for better taste)
- 1 egg
- 100 g of sugar (granulated sugar)
- 1 packet of baking powder
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- 100 ml of milk (you can also use water if you prefer)
- A pinch of salt
- About 100 g of powdered sugar (for sprinkling)
Preparation:
1. Preparing the dough:
The first step in making husmašice is preparing the dough. In a large bowl, sift the 500 g of flour. Sifting the flour is important as it removes any lumps and ensures even mixing of the ingredients. Next, add 1 packet of baking powder and a pinch of salt to the sifted flour. Mix the dry ingredients well.
Make a well in the center of the flour and add the softened butter or margarine. It is recommended to use butter as it will give the cookies a richer flavor, but margarine is also a good option, especially if you want a slightly lighter dough. The butter or margarine should be at room temperature so that it blends easily into the flour.
Now, using your hands or a mixer, blend the butter into the flour until the mixture becomes crumbly, resembling sand. This is the base step in making husmašice dough, as all the ingredients will come together when you add the wet ingredients.
2. Adding the wet ingredients:
Once the flour and butter are well combined, it’s time to add the wet ingredients. Add 1 egg and 100 g of granulated sugar to the mixture. Mix the egg and sugar into the flour and butter until you have a smooth mixture. Then, add 1 packet of vanilla sugar for fragrance and flavor, which will further enrich the dough.
Gradually add 100 ml of milk to the mixture. The milk will help the dough become soft and elastic. If you prefer a softer dough, you can add a bit more milk, but be careful not to add too much, as this will make the dough too loose and difficult to work with.
The dough should be smooth and soft but not too sticky. If it is sticky, you can add a bit more flour, but be cautious not to overdo it, as too much flour can make the dough tough. Knead the mixture well and shape it into a ball. Cover it with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let it rest for about 30 minutes at room temperature. This step is important because it allows the dough to relax, making it easier to shape the cookies.
3. Shaping the cookies:
After the dough has rested, it’s time to shape it. On a floured surface, roll the dough out to a thickness of about 5 mm. The amount of flour you use will depend on how sticky the dough is, but try not to use too much, as it can affect the texture of the cookies.
Once the dough is rolled out, use a cookie cutter or simply a glass to cut out round shapes. You can use other shapes, such as stars, hearts, or squares, depending on how you want your cookies to look. If you don’t have a cookie cutter, you can make small balls and press them with a fork or your hands to form flat shapes.
Place the cut-out cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Try to leave enough space between the cookies, as they will spread a little during baking.
4. Baking the husmašice:
Before placing the cookies in the oven, preheat it to 180°C (350°F). The cookies will bake for about 10-15 minutes, but be sure to watch them, as baking time may vary depending on your oven. The cookies are done when they turn light golden brown around the edges.
Remember, husmašice can be baked in batches, depending on the size of your baking sheet. In that case, make sure the baked cookies cool down before placing new ones on the sheet.
5. Sprinkling with powdered sugar:
Once the cookies have cooled, it’s time to sprinkle them with powdered sugar. This step is optional, but adding powdered sugar makes the husmašice look even nicer and gives them a beautiful finish. If you want, you can roll the cookies in powdered sugar for a richer taste.
6. Enjoy your husmašice:
Your husmašice are now ready to be enjoyed! These cookies are incredibly soft, moist, and full of flavor. They are perfect with a cup of tea, coffee, or milk. They can be stored in an airtight container and will stay fresh for several days, although they probably won’t last long because they are so delicious!
Tips:
- If you want to further enhance the flavor of husmašice, you can add chopped walnuts, hazelnuts, or almonds into the dough.
- You can also experiment with adding some orange zest or even a little rum to the dough for extra flavor.
- Husmašice can be stored in an airtight container for several days, but it’s best to enjoy them as soon as possible to savor their freshness.
Enjoy making husmašice and rest assured that your guests will be delighted by these sweet treats!
