Graham Cookies

Graham Cookies Recipe from the USA - Delicious and Easy to Make

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 24

Introduction

Graham cookies are a classic treat that are perfect for any occasion. These cookies have a deliciously sweet and buttery flavor that pairs perfectly with a glass of milk or a cup of tea. They are easy to make and are sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

History

Graham cookies have been a popular treat for many years. The recipe is believed to have originated in the United States and is named after Sylvester Graham, a 19th-century dietary reformer who advocated for a diet rich in whole grains. Graham flour, which is a coarsely ground whole wheat flour, is a key ingredient in these cookies, giving them a slightly nutty flavor and a hearty texture.

Ingredients

0.5 cup of brown sugar
4 tbsp of crisco
1 egg yolk
0.25 cup of milk
0.25 tsp of salt
0.5 tsp of vanilla
1.5 cups of graham flour, measured before sifting, using the bran after the flour is sifted

How to prepare

First, beat together the sugar and Crisco. Then, beat in the egg yolk, salt, and vanilla.
Stir in the flour and milk alternately.
The dough should be soft enough that it is difficult to handle.
Sprinkle flour on the breadboard.
Put the dough on the floured surface, sift a little flour over the dough, then pat the dough into a ball.
Using a rolling pin, roll it out to a thickness of a little less than one-fourth inch, and cut out with a cookie cutter.
Place the cut-out dough on an oiled pan and bake.

Variations

Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm and spicy flavor.
Mix in some chopped nuts or dried fruit for added texture and flavor.
Drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled cookies for a decadent touch.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to cream the sugar and Crisco together until light and fluffy to ensure a tender cookie.

- Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can result in tough cookies.

- If the dough is too sticky to handle, refrigerate it for a few minutes to firm it up.

- For a crispier cookie, bake them for a few extra minutes until they are golden brown around the edges.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy graham cookies with a glass of milk or a cup of tea for a delightful snack.

Cooking Techniques

Creaming the sugar and Crisco together until light and fluffy is essential for a tender cookie.

- Alternating between adding the flour and milk helps to create a smooth and cohesive dough.

- Rolling out the dough to a consistent thickness ensures even baking.

Ingredient Substitutions

Butter can be used in place of Crisco for a slightly different flavor.

- Whole wheat flour can be used instead of graham flour for a heartier cookie.

Make Ahead Tips

The dough for graham cookies can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply roll out and bake the cookies when ready to enjoy.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange graham cookies on a decorative platter and dust with powdered sugar for a simple and elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Graham cookies pair well with a variety of beverages, such as milk, tea, coffee, or hot chocolate.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store graham cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To reheat, place them in a 350°F oven for a few minutes until warm.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of graham cookies contains approximately 120 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of graham cookies contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of graham cookies contains approximately 6 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of graham cookies contains approximately 2 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Graham cookies are not a significant source of vitamins and minerals.

Alergens

Graham cookies contain wheat and eggs.

Summary

Graham cookies are a delicious treat that are relatively low in calories and provide a small amount of fat and carbohydrates.

Summary

Graham cookies are a classic treat that are easy to make and perfect for any occasion. With a deliciously sweet and buttery flavor, these cookies are sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy them with a glass of milk or a cup of tea for a delightful snack.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of wonder I felt when I first saw this recipe for Graham Cookies. It was a crisp autumn day, the leaves had turned beautiful shades of red and gold, and the air was filled with the scent of cinnamon and nutmeg. I was visiting my dear friend Mary, who was known for her delicious baked goods. As we sat in her cozy kitchen, sipping steaming cups of tea, she handed me a worn, yellowed piece of paper with the recipe written in a delicate script.

Mary explained that the recipe had been passed down through generations in her family, originating from her great-grandmother who had immigrated from Ireland. She told me stories of her ancestors baking these cookies for special occasions, and how they were always a hit with family and friends. I was captivated by the history and tradition behind the recipe, and I knew I had to learn how to make these Graham Cookies for myself.

As Mary guided me through the steps, I watched in awe as she mixed the ingredients together with practiced ease. The scent of honey and cinnamon filled the air, and I couldn't wait to taste the finished product. When the cookies came out of the oven, golden brown and fragrant, I took my first bite and was instantly transported to a place of warmth and comfort. The cookies were sweet and crunchy, with a hint of spice that lingered on my tongue.

From that day on, I was determined to perfect the recipe for Graham Cookies. I experimented with different variations, adding a touch of vanilla here, a sprinkle of sugar there. I baked batch after batch, taking notes on what worked and what didn't. It became a labor of love, a way for me to connect with my own heritage and create memories to pass down to future generations.

Over the years, I shared the recipe with friends and family, who all marveled at the delicious simplicity of the Graham Cookies. They became a staple at holiday gatherings and special occasions, a symbol of my love for baking and my appreciation for the traditions that had been passed down to me. Each time I baked a batch of cookies, I felt a sense of pride and connection to my ancestors, who had cherished this recipe for so many years.

As I grew older, my hands became more weathered and my movements more slow and deliberate. But whenever I baked a batch of Graham Cookies, I felt alive and vibrant, as if the scent of honey and cinnamon could transport me back to that crisp autumn day in Mary's kitchen. The recipe had become a part of me, a link to the past that I treasured and nurtured with each batch of cookies I baked.

And now, as I sit in my own kitchen, surrounded by the familiar aromas of baking spices and memories of days gone by, I am grateful for the gift of this recipe. It has brought me joy and comfort, and allowed me to share a piece of my heritage with those I love. The Graham Cookies are more than just a treat to me - they are a connection to the past, a reminder of the traditions and stories that have shaped me into the person I am today. And for that, I am eternally grateful.