Rye Cookies

Rye Cookies Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 cup rye flour
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (optional)
• 1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat and set aside.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
   • In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the rye flour, all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This blend of flours gives the cookies a distinct, slightly nutty flavor and a hearty texture that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the sugars.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugars:
   • In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This process takes about 2-3 minutes. Beating the butter and sugars helps to incorporate air into the mixture, which will give the cookies a light and tender crumb.
4. Add Egg and Vanilla:
   • Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Beat until well combined. The egg acts as a binding agent, holding all the ingredients together, while the vanilla adds a warm, aromatic flavor.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
   • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to over-mix the dough, as this can result in tough cookies. The rye flour’s gluten structure is different from regular flour, so a gentle hand is needed to keep the cookies tender.
6. Fold in Chocolate Chips and Nuts (Optional):
   • If you like, fold in the dark chocolate chips and chopped nuts. These add-ins are optional but provide a delicious contrast to the rye’s earthiness. You can substitute them with other ingredients like dried cranberries, white chocolate chips, or seeds, depending on your preference.
7. Shape the Cookies:
   • Using a tablespoon or a small cookie scoop, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. The cookies will spread slightly as they bake, so leave enough room for them to expand.
8. Bake:
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set. Rye cookies have a lovely chewy texture, and the key to achieving this is not to overbake them. They will continue to cook a bit as they cool on the baking sheet.
9. Cool the Cookies:
   • Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is crucial as it helps the cookies firm up and develop their final texture.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
    • Once cooled, serve the rye cookies with a glass of milk, a cup of tea, or even a scoop of ice cream. The slightly nutty, earthy flavor of rye combined with the sweetness of the sugars and the richness of the butter makes these cookies a unique treat.

Tips for the Perfect Rye Cookies:

• Use Fresh Rye Flour: Rye flour can go rancid quickly due to its higher oil content. Make sure to use fresh flour for the best taste.
• Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer your cookies less sweet, reduce the granulated sugar by a tablespoon or two.
• Experiment with Spices: Add a touch of cinnamon or cardamom to the dough for a spiced version of these cookies.
• Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also freeze the dough balls and bake them directly from frozen; just add a couple of minutes to the baking time.

Nutritional Information (Per Cookie):

• Calories: ~100
• Protein: 1.5g
• Carbohydrates: 13g
• Fat: 5g
• Fiber: 1g

Why Rye?

Rye flour gives these cookies a unique flavor and texture. It has a slightly tangy, earthy taste and is known for its heartiness. Rye is also higher in fiber and nutrients compared to regular wheat flour, making these cookies a slightly healthier option. The combination of rye and all-purpose flour creates a balanced texture – soft and chewy with a slight crispness on the edges.

Enjoy these rye cookies as a delightful treat that balances the comfort of traditional cookies with the robust flavor of rye flour. They’re perfect for those who want to try something different while still indulging in a classic baked good.