Areias de Cascais (Portuguese Sand Cookies)

Portuguese cookies at their most delicate: Areias de Cascais are buttery sand cookies rolled in sugar, light and lemony. Get the recipe.

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Course: Dessert

Cuisine: Portuguese

Keyword: areias de cascais, portuguese cookies

Prep Time: 15

Cook Time: 12

Chilling Time: 30

Total Time: 57

Servings:

Calories: 2628kcal

Author: S. Claus

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Zest of 1 lemon or orange optional
Pinch of salt
Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Stir in the vanilla extract and lemon or orange zest, if using.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms. The dough should be slightly sticky but manageable.
Shape the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for about 30 minutes. Chilling the dough will make it easier to handle.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes from the dough. Traditional Areias cookies are often round or flower-shaped.
Place the cut-out cookies on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between them.
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Tips

You can customize the flavor using almond extract or other flavorings instead of vanilla. Add lemon or orange zest for a refreshing citrus aroma, but leave it out if preferred. The dough can be shaped into logs, chilled, and then sliced into rounds before baking. Areias cookies are often enjoyed during holidays and special occasions in Portugal.

Storage & Make-Ahead

Make-Ahead

Prepare the dough: You can make the cookie dough and store it in the refrigerator for 2-3 days before baking. This allows for convenient baking when you're ready to enjoy fresh cookies.

Shape and freeze: To save time, you can shape the cookie dough into individual cookie portions and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once they are firm, transfer the frozen cookie dough balls to an airtight container or freezer bag. These can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you're ready to bake, place the frozen dough on a baking sheet and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Storage

Once your Portuguese sand cookies have cooled completely after baking, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will remain fresh for about 5-7 days. Place a piece of parchment or wax paper between layers to prevent them from sticking together.

While it's unnecessary, you can refrigerate the cookies to extend their shelf life. Cookies stored in the refrigerator can last up to 2 weeks. Ensure they are in an airtight container or sealed in a zip-top bag to prevent them from absorbing any odors from the fridge.

If you need to store Portuguese sand cookies for an extended period, freezing is a great option. Place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until they are firm. Then, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag, placing parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Cookies can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. To enjoy, thaw them at room temperature for about 30 minutes or gently warm them in a low oven.

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