MAIZENA ALPHAJORS

### Instructions for Making Maizena Alphajors

#### 1. **Preheat the oven:**
Start by preheating your oven to **350°F (175°C)**. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking. This step also makes cleanup easier.

#### 2. **Cream the butter and sugar:**
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the **softened butter** and **powdered sugar** using a hand mixer or stand mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process will take about 3-5 minutes, and it’s essential to ensure the butter and sugar are well-combined for a smooth cookie dough.

#### 3. **Add dry ingredients:**
In a separate bowl, sift together the **Maizena**, **all-purpose flour**, and **baking powder**. Sifting ensures that the dry ingredients are evenly distributed and helps prevent clumps.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter and sugar mixture, mixing gently after each addition. If using, add the **cardamom powder** and **vanilla extract** at this stage. The dough should come together easily. If it feels too soft or sticky, you can chill it in the fridge for about 15-20 minutes before proceeding.

#### 4. **Shape the cookies:**
Once the dough is ready, take small portions of it and roll them into small balls (about 1-inch in diameter). Place the balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. You can press each ball gently with a fork or your fingers to flatten it slightly for a more traditional look. Alternatively, you can leave them round for a more rustic appearance.

For a decorative touch, you can press a piece of **chopped pistachio** or **almond** into the center of each cookie before baking, but this is completely optional.

#### 5. **Bake the cookies:**
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for **10-12 minutes** or until they are lightly golden around the edges. These cookies cook quickly, so keep an eye on them to avoid over-baking. You want them to be crisp but not browned.

#### 6. **Cool and serve:**
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. The cookies will crisp up further as they cool.

### Tips for Making the Perfect Maizena Alphajors

1. **Butter consistency is key:** Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature before you begin. If the butter is too cold, the dough may be too stiff to work with, and if it’s too melted, the cookies may spread too much during baking.

2. **Chill the dough if needed:** If you find the dough too sticky to handle, chill it in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes before shaping. This will make it easier to roll into balls and shape.

3. **Don’t over-bake:** Maizena Alphajors are meant to be lightly golden and not too brown. Over-baking can lead to dry cookies. They should remain tender and melt in your mouth!

4. **Add nuts or dried fruit:** For a bit of texture and flavor contrast, you can add finely chopped **pistachios**, **cashews**, or **raisins** to the dough. Pressing a whole nut on top before baking also adds a lovely touch.

5. **Storage:** These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. They also freeze well, so you can make a batch in advance and enjoy them later.

### Why You’ll Love Maizena Alphajors

1. **Light and Crispy Texture:** The combination of Maizena and all-purpose flour creates a texture that’s both light and crisp, yet slightly crumbly. The cookies literally melt in your mouth with every bite.

2. **Quick and Easy:** With minimal ingredients and simple instructions, Maizena Alphajors are a breeze to make. They’re perfect for when you’re craving something sweet but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.

3. **Perfect for Any Occasion:** Whether it’s a festive occasion, an afternoon tea, or a special treat for the family, these cookies are ideal for any moment. Their delicate flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture will leave a lasting impression.

4. **Versatile Flavoring:** While the traditional recipe keeps things simple with just butter and cardamom, you can easily adapt the recipe by adding different spices, extracts, or citrus zest for new flavor variations.

### Final Thoughts

Maizena Alphajors are the perfect combination of simplicity and indulgence, offering a delicate, buttery taste that’s both nostalgic and comforting. These crispy cookies are a great way to treat yourself or share with loved ones. Their versatility makes them easy to customize, and they pair wonderfully with a hot cup of tea or coffee.

Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just a cozy afternoon snack, Maizena Alphajors are sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Try them today and enjoy the melt-in-your-mouth goodness of these delightful treats!