HONEY BISCUITS FOR THE NUMBER-CAKE

Ingredients

Honey Dough

200 grams (7.05 ounces) flour

80 grams (2.82 ounces) sugar

50 grams (1.76 ounces) butter

1 egg

40 grams (1.41 ounces) honey

0.5 teaspoon baking soda

pinch of salt

Instructions

Step 1

In a large saucepan, combine the egg, sugar, honey, and a pinch of salt. Stir until the mixture is smooth.

Step 2

It's easier to mix all the wet ingredients with a whisk.

Step 3

Add the butter to the saucepan and place it over medium heat. Stir occasionally and heat until the mixture starts to boil. Remove from heat and immediately add the baking soda. Mix well.

Step 4

The mixture will foam up a bit when the baking soda is added, which is normal.

Step 5

Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature.

Step 6

Once cooled, gradually add half of the flour to the mixture and start kneading the dough. Continue to add more flour as needed until the dough is soft but not sticky.

Step 7

Don't add all the flour at once; add it gradually to ensure the dough reaches the appropriate consistency.

Step 8

Place the dough into a plastic bag and refrigerate for at least 3 hours.

Step 9

Chilling the dough helps to firm it up and make it easier to handle and roll out.

Step 10

Preheat your oven to 356°F (180°C).

Step 11

On a parchment paper or silicone baking mat, roll out the dough to a thickness of 0.1 inch. If necessary, sprinkle some flour to prevent sticking.

Step 12

Using a stencil, cut out the desired shapes or numbers from the dough.

Step 13

Printing stencils on A4 paper and cutting around them works well for uniform shapes.

Step 14

Bake the shapes in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until they are light golden brown.

Step 15

Allow the shapes to cool completely before decorating as desired.

Step 16

Cooling completely helps the decorations adhere better to the surface of the pastry.

Servings

Serving these **Honey Dough Pastries** can be as fun as making them! 🌼 First, consider the ambiance. These delightful treats are perfect for a cozy afternoon tea or a festive holiday spread. Pair them with a steaming cup of **Earl Grey tea** for a classic combination that never fails to please. 🍵 For a **modern twist**, why not serve them with a dollop of tangy lemon curd or a spread of rich raspberry jam? The contrast of flavors will add an exciting dimension to your tea-time favorite. 🍋 If you're planning a more **decadent display**, drizzle a bit of dark chocolate or sprinkle some powdered sugar over the pastries for an elegant finish—a true feast for the eyes and the palate! 🍫✨ Children and adults alike will adore these **versatile treats**, so don’t be afraid to get creative with your presentation. Happy serving! 🎉

Equipment

Mixing Bowl

Opt for a medium to large size to accommodate all ingredients comfortably.

Saucepan

Ensure it has a heavy bottom to evenly heat the mixture without burning.

Stewpot

This is where the magic begins; a medium-sized pot should suffice.

Wooden Spoon

Ideal for stirring your mixture to a smooth consistency.

Plastic Bag

Storing the dough in the fridge to rest helps develop its texture.

Rolling Pin

A sturdy rolling pin will help you achieve the perfect dough thickness.

Parchment Paper

Prevents the dough from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

Baking Sheet

A large flat sheet is perfect for even baking.

Stencils

Use these to cut out consistent shapes, adding a professional touch to your pastries.

Variations

Looking to mix things up? Here’s how you can make this **Honey Dough Pastry** recipe both gluten-free and vegan-friendly! 🌱 Gluten-Free Version: Replace the flour with your favorite **gluten-free flour blend**. Ensure your baking powder doesn't contain gluten, and voilà! A gluten-free delight that all your guests can enjoy. 🍞✨ Vegan Version: Substitute the butter with **vegan margarine** and the egg with a mix of 1 tablespoon of chia seeds or ground flaxseeds with 3 tablespoons of water. Additionally, check that your honey is vegan-friendly, or replace it with agave syrup or maple syrup. 🌿🍁 Both versions allow everyone to savor these delicious pastries without missing out on the original flavor and texture. Enjoy baking and sharing these inclusive treats! 🌟🍪

Faq

Why is my dough too sticky?
Make sure you've added just the right amount of flour. If it’s still sticky, gradually add more flour until the dough achieves a non-sticky, soft texture.
Can I use a hand mixer instead of mixing by hand?
Yes, but be careful not to over-mix. The dough should be combined just until ingredients are incorporated.
How do I know when the pastry is baked through?
The top should be a light golden brown color. Overbaking can cause the pastries to be too hard.
Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely, the dough can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days before baking.
How can I prevent the dough from spreading when baking?
Ensure the dough is well-chilled before baking. This helps maintain the shape during cooking.
Can I freeze the dough?
Yes, you can freeze the dough for up to a month. Defrost in the refrigerator before rolling and cutting.