Portuguese Biscuit Cookies (Biscoitos)

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F).

Step 2

Prepare two baking pans with parchment paper.

Step 3

Add the flour, salt and baking powder and mix together using a whisk or spoon.

Step 4

Add the butter and the sugar into a mixing bowl with a paddle attachment and cream together until light and fluffy. You can also use a hand blender.

Step 5

Add in the eggs, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and milk and mix together until well combined.

Step 6

Pour in the flour mixture and mix until the dough comes together. If the dough is to dry, and a bit more milk.

Step 7

Remove the biscuits dough and place onto a light flour working surface.

Step 8

Work the dough a little bit more by kneading it for about 1-2 minutes.

Step 9

Roll out the cookie dough into a long log and cut small golf ball size pieces and slightly round them. You can also use a small ice scoop, scoop small golf ball-shaped balls.

Step 10

To shape the biscoitos, roll out each piece into a rope shape about 4-5 inches in length and 1/2 inch thick, and connect both ends together resembling a ring or bagel.

Step 11

Transfer formed biscuits into baking pan and keep them about 1/2 inch apart.

Step 12

Repeat until all the cookie dough is made up.

Step 13

Once your first tray is done, place into the oven and bake for 16-18 minutes or until light golden brown.

Step 14

Remove the tray from the oven and let the biscuits cool down for five minutes before removing them to a plate or cooling rack.

Step 15

Repeat with the second tray.

Step 16

Keep biscuits stored in an airtight container or zip lock bag, they will keep for about 2 weeks.