Soft Kefir Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, crack the egg and whisk it lightly. Add a pinch of salt and 1 tablespoon of sugar to the egg and whisk again until the sugar starts to dissolve.
Pour in 60 ml of vegetable oil and 100 ml of kefir. Whisk the mixture together until all the wet ingredients are well combined and smooth.
Combine the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, sift together 250 g of flour and 1 teaspoon of baking powder. This step helps to evenly distribute the baking powder throughout the flour and remove any lumps.
Form the Dough:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring continuously with a spoon or spatula until a soft dough forms. The dough should be smooth and slightly sticky but firm enough to handle.
If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour (a tablespoon at a time) until it reaches the desired consistency.
Step 2: Shape the Cookies
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with oil.
Shape the Dough:
With your hands, scoop out small portions of the dough (about the size of a walnut) and roll them into balls. If the dough sticks to your hands, lightly flour your hands to make it easier to handle.
Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie as they will expand slightly while baking.
Flatten and Sprinkle with Sugar:
Gently press each dough ball down with your fingers or the back of a spoon to flatten it slightly.
Sprinkle 2-3 tablespoons of sugar over the top of the cookies for a light, sweet coating.
Step 3: Bake the Cookies
Bake the Cookies:
Place the cookies in the preheated oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until they are lightly golden on the edges but still soft in the center.
Cool the Cookies:
Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cooking Tips:
Kefir Substitutions: If you don’t have kefir, you can substitute it with buttermilk, yogurt, or sour cream. These alternatives will maintain the softness and light texture of the cookies.
Extra Flavorings: To enhance the flavor, you can add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, lemon zest, or ground cinnamon to the dough. These flavors will complement the mild sweetness of the cookies.

Sweetness Level: If you prefer sweeter cookies, you can increase the amount of sugar in the dough to 2 tablespoons. You can also drizzle the baked cookies with a simple icing made of powdered sugar and milk for extra sweetness.
Flour Variations: You can substitute some of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier texture. Just keep in mind that whole wheat flour may make the cookies denser.
Avoid Overmixing: Be gentle when combining the wet and dry ingredients to avoid overworking the dough, which can result in tougher cookies.
Storage:
Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Make sure they are completely cool before storing them to prevent condensation from making them soggy.
Refrigeration: While these cookies are best enjoyed fresh, you can refrigerate them for up to a week in an airtight container. Let the cookies come to room temperature before serving, or lightly warm them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.
Freezing: To freeze the cookies, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer the frozen cookies to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 2 months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.
Nutritional Facts (per cookie, based on 18 cookies):
Calories: 95
Total Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: 0.5g
Cholesterol: 15mg
Sodium: 35mg
Carbohydrates: 12g
Fiber: 0.5g
Sugar: 2g
Protein: 2g
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can I use a different type of oil?
Yes, you can substitute the vegetable oil with any neutral oil like canola or sunflower oil. For a slightly richer flavor, you can use melted butter or coconut oil, though this may affect the texture slightly.

2. How can I make these cookies more flavorful?
You can enhance the flavor by adding vanilla extract, almond extract, lemon zest, or cinnamon to the dough. You can also incorporate mix-ins like chocolate chips, raisins, or chopped nuts for extra texture and flavor.

3. What makes these cookies soft?
The combination of kefir and oil helps create a soft and tender cookie texture. Kefir adds moisture and a slight tang, while oil keeps the dough soft and pliable, even after baking.

4. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. If the dough becomes too firm in the fridge, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before shaping.

5. Can I use sugar substitutes?
Yes, you can use sugar substitutes like stevia, erythritol, or coconut sugar if you prefer a lower-sugar option. Just be sure to adjust the amounts according to the sweetness of the substitute you’re using.

Conclusion:
These Soft Kefir Cookies are a simple, delicious, and versatile treat that can be whipped up in no time. The kefir adds a unique twist, making the cookies soft and tender while the sugar sprinkle on top gives them a pleasant crunch. With just a few ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, these cookies are perfect for both novice bakers and experienced cooks looking for a quick sweet fix. They are light, not overly sweet, and pair perfectly with tea, coffee, or a glass of milk. Whether you’re baking for a family snack or entertaining guests, these cookies are sure to impress with their delicate flavor and delightful texture.