The Classic Brazilian Biscoito Maria Cookie and Delicious Dessert Recipes

The Classic Biscoito Maria

Biscoito maria, also known as maria cookies or Marie biscuits, are a classic Brazilian treat that have been around for generations. These simple vanilla cookies are crispy, sweet, and utterly addictive. Though biscoito maria can be enjoyed on their own, they also lend themselves beautifully to a variety of dessert recipes, like the classic Brazilian pudim de biscoito maria.

The History of Biscoito Maria

Biscoito maria cookies originated in Brazil in the early 20th century. They were inspired by European tea biscuits, but made with ingredients more readily available in Brazil at the time, like eggs, flour, sugar, and vanilla. The name "maria" came from Maria II of Portugal, who was queen when Brazil gained independence in the 1820s. Over the years, biscoito maria cookies became a staple in Brazilian pantries and cuisine.

Today, these crunchy vanilla cookies can be found in every Brazilian bakery and grocery store. They're produced by several major Brazilian snack companies, but many families also bake them from scratch at home. Biscoito maria are beloved for their simplicity, versatility, and nostalgia factor. They remind many Brazilians of afternoons spent with a cup of coffee or cocoa and a plate of these classic cookies.

Ingredients in Biscoito Maria

Biscoito maria have an incredibly short ingredient list, which adds to their appeal. The basic ingredients are:

• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• Eggs
• Butter or margarine
• Salt
• Vanilla extract
• Baking powder

Some recipes also include a bit of milk or cream. The simplicity of the ingredients allows the flavor of buttery vanilla to really shine. The cookies end up crispy on the outside, with a lightly crumbly texture inside.

How to Make Biscoito Maria from Scratch

Making homemade biscoito maria allows you full control over the ingredients and flavors. Here is a simple recipe to try:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 2 egg yolks
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 pinch salt
• 1 teaspoon baking powder

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add in the egg yolks one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. Add the vanilla and salt and mix until combined.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder.
6. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until a smooth dough forms.
7. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out to 1/4 inch thickness.
8. Cut into rounds or other shapes using a cookie cutter.
9. Arrange the cookies on a parchment lined baking sheet about 1 inch apart.
10. Bake for 15-18 minutes, until lightly golden brown on the bottom.
11. Allow to cool completely before serving.

Make sure not to overbake these cookies - they should still be pale and soft in the center when done. Enjoy these homemade biscoito maria on their own or use them in another recipe!

Biscoito Maria Dessert Recipes

While biscoito maria are perfect on their own, they also shine when incorporated into Brazilian dessert recipes. Here are some classic ways to use biscoito maria cookies:

Pudim de Biscoito Maria

This "biscuit pudding" is a beloved Brazilian dessert made by layering a vanilla custard with biscoito maria cookies. To make it:

• Make a vanilla custard by whisking egg yolks with condensed milk and heating gently until thickened.
• Layer biscoito maria cookies in the bottom of a pan or panettone mold.
• Pour over a layer of vanilla custard.
• Repeat layering cookies and custard until mold is full, ending with custard.
• Chill pudding several hours to allow cookies to soak up custard.
• Unmold and garnish with whipped cream.

The crisp cookies soften in the rich custard to make a decadent layered dessert.

Biscoito Maria Tiramisu

For a Brazilian twist on tiramisu, use biscoito maria instead of ladyfingers. Layer the cookies with a mixture of mascarpone and whipped cream flavored with coffee and chocolate sauce. Dust the top with cocoa powder. The cookies stand up well to the creamy coffee soaked layers.

Biscoito Maria Trifle

Trifle is a classic British dessert of sponge cake layered with custard, fruit, and whipped cream. To make a biscoito maria version, crumble the cookies and use them instead of sponge cake. Layer the crumbled cookies with vanilla or chocolate pudding, sliced strawberries, bananas, or mangos, and whipped cream. The cookies add crunch and texture to the fruit and cream.

Biscoito Maria Ice Cream Cake

For an impressive ice cream cake, layer biscoito maria cookies with slightly softened ice cream. Vanilla, chocolate, or dulce de leche ice cream work beautifully. You can even alternate ice cream flavors for variation. Freeze the layered cake until firm before slicing and serving. Kids and adults alike will love this cool summertime dessert.

Tips for Enjoying Biscoito Maria

Here are some tips for getting the most enjoyment out of beloved biscoito maria cookies:

• Store biscoito maria in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their signature crunch.
• Flavor biscoito maria dough with lemon or orange zest before baking for a citrusy twist.
• Dip the cookies in milk or coffee for added flavor and a touch of decadence.
• Use biscoito maria to make homemade ice cream sandwiches.
• For variety, spread peanut butter, dulce de leche, chocolate hazelnut spread, or fruit preserves between two cookies.
• Incorporate crushed biscoito maria into no-bake desserts for added texture.
• Pack biscoito maria in lunches or take them on road trips for an anytime treat.

However you choose to enjoy them, biscoito maria are a staple of Brazilian cuisine that brings back nostalgic memories for many. With a package of these classic vanilla cookies and a bit of creativity, you can whip up diverse desserts and treats the whole family will love.

FAQs

What are biscoito maria?

Biscoito maria are classic Brazilian cookies made with flour, sugar, eggs, butter, and vanilla. They are crisp and lightly sweet vanilla cookies that have been popular in Brazil for generations.

Where did biscoito maria get their name?

The name "maria" comes from Maria II of Portugal, who was queen when Brazil gained independence in the 1820s. The cookies were inspired by European tea biscuits but made with local Brazilian ingredients.

How do you make biscoito maria?

Making biscoito maria involves creaming butter and sugar, mixing in egg yolks, vanilla, and dry ingredients, rolling the dough thin, cutting into shapes, and baking until lightly golden. The recipe uses basic ingredients found in most pantries.

What are some recipes using biscoito maria?

Popular Brazilian desserts made with biscoito maria include pudim de biscoito maria, trifles, ice cream cakes, and variations of tiramisu. The cookies can also be enjoyed on their own dipped in coffee or milk.

How should you store biscoito maria?

To maintain freshness and crispness, store biscoito maria at room temperature in an airtight container. Avoid refrigerating the cookies so they do not lose their signature crunch.