These Girl Scout Trefoils Cookies aren’t just any shortbread cookies; they carry the legacy of generations of Girl Scouts and the simplicity of a time-honored recipe that has charmed taste buds across America. Yet, as much as we love supporting our local Girl Scout troops by purchasing these delectable treats, there’s a certain magic in attempting to recreate them in our kitchens.
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How to make Girl Scout Trefoil Cookies
Girl Scout Trefoils are a type of shortbread cookie sold as part of the Girl Scout Cookies lineup. They are known for their classic buttery, lightly sweet flavor and crisp texture. The cookies are shaped like the Girl Scout trefoil emblem, which represents the three parts of the Girl Scout Promise.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (important for achieving the right texture)
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (sifted for a finer texture)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (if you’re using salted butter, you can omit this)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for a hint of flavor)
Equipment:
- Mixing bowl
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or a silicone baking mat
- Cookie cutter (preferably a Trefoil shape or a simple round cutter)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Tray: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together with a hand mixer or a stand mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes.
- Add Vanilla Extract: Mix in the vanilla extract until thoroughly combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the sifted flour and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until just incorporated. Over-mixing at this stage can lead to tough cookies.
- Form the Dough: Once the mixture comes together into a cohesive dough, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Press the dough together into a flat disc.
- Roll Out the Dough: Using a rolling pin, roll the dough out to about 1/4-inch thickness. Ensure the dough is uniformly thick enough to bake.
- Cut Out Cookies: Use a cookie cutter to cut out shapes. Using a round cutter, gently indent each cookie with a smaller item (like the end of a utensil or a smaller cutter) to mimic the Trefoil design.
- Bake: Place the cut-out cookies on the prepared baking sheet at least 1 inch apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Baking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of your cookies.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for Success:
- Butter Temperature: Ensure your butter is softened but not melted; this will help achieve the perfect texture.
- Chilling the Dough: If the dough becomes too soft or warm, refrigerate it for about 30 minutes before rolling it out. This makes handling easier and results in crisper cookies.
- Even Baking: Rotate your baking sheet halfway through baking to promote even browning.
What to serve with
Girl Scout Trefoils Cookies, with their rich, buttery taste and delicate texture, are delectable independently. Yet, pairing them with the right accompaniments can elevate your snack time or dessert course to a whole new level of enjoyment.
For Tea & Coffee Lovers
- Tea: A classic pairing for shortbread like the Girl Scout Trefoils Cookies is tea. A robust black tea, such as Earl Grey or English Breakfast, balances the cookie’s sweetness with its bold flavor. For a floral twist, try pairing with lavender or rose tea. Herbal teas, like chamomile or peppermint, offer a soothing, light accompaniment that complements the buttery richness without overwhelming it.
- Coffee: A freshly brewed coffee with its natural bitterness can contrast beautifully against the sweet, buttery flavor of the Girl Scout Trefoils Cookies. An espresso or a latte provides a creamy texture that mirrors the cookie’s richness, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.
For the Dessert Enthusiasts
- Ice Cream: Consider serving your Girl Scout Trefoils Cookies alongside your favorite ice cream scoop. Vanilla is an excellent choice for its universal appeal, enhancing the cookies’ flavor without overpowering it. For something a bit more adventurous, salted caramel or coffee-flavored ice cream can add an interesting contrast to the Trefoils’ sweetness.
- Pudding or Custard: A smooth, creamy pudding or custard offers a delightful textural contrast to the crispness of the cookies. Vanilla, chocolate, or butterscotch flavors are especially complimentary.
- Fresh Fruit: The simplicity of fresh fruit can add a refreshing, slightly tart contrast to the rich cookies. Berries, sliced peaches, or apples offer a nice balance and make for a lighter accompaniment.
For the Savory Pairings
- Cheese: If you lean towards savory pairings, try serving Trefoils with cheese. Soft, creamy cheeses like Brie or Camembert, or sharp varieties such as aged Cheddar, can wonderfully complement the buttery cookies. This combination might be surprising, but the contrast between sweet and savory can be quite sophisticated.
- Wine: Pairing cookies with wine can elevate an adult gathering. A sweet dessert wine like Moscato or Riesling can complement the cookies without overshadowing their delicate flavor. For a bolder choice, a sparkling wine or Champagne adds a celebratory note, with the bubbles offering a pleasant textural contrast.
Ingredients Substitutes
Girl Scout Trefoils Cookies are a classic shortbread known for their simple, buttery flavor and delightful crispness. Making a homemade version or a batch inspired by the original can be a fun and rewarding experience.
Flour Substitute
For Gluten-Free: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Look for one that’s meant for a 1:1 substitution and includes xanthan gum, which helps replicate gluten’s binding properties. Almond flour or coconut flour can also be used, but remember, they absorb moisture differently, so you might need to adjust liquid ingredients or add a binder like xanthan gum.
Butter Substitute
For Dairy-Free/Vegan: The richness of butter is central to Trefoils, but for dairy-free versions, you can use vegan butter or margarine. Coconut oil is another option; it should be solid at room temperature to mimic the texture of butter as closely as possible. However, remember that each substitute will slightly alter the flavor profile.
Sugar Substitute
For a Healthier Option: To reduce refined sugar, coconut sugar can be a good alternative for its slightly lower glycemic index and richer flavor. Another option is a granulated sweetener like Swerve for a sugar-free version. Adjust the quantity based on the sweetness level of your substitute, as it can vary.
Egg Substitute (if the recipe calls for it)
While traditional Trefoils may not contain egg, some variations do. If you’re avoiding eggs:
- Applesauce: ¼ cup of unsweetened applesauce can replace one egg. It adds moisture and binds the ingredients.
- Flaxseed or Chia Seed Meal: Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed or chia seeds with 3 tablespoons of water and let it sit for a few minutes until it becomes gelatinous, mimicking the consistency of an egg.
Vanilla Extract Substitute
For a Different Flavor Profile: Almond extract can offer a nutty depth if you’re out of vanilla or just want to try something new. Be cautious with the quantity, as it’s much stronger than vanilla. Another option is citrus zest (like lemon or orange); it can brighten the dough with a subtle tanginess that complements the buttery flavor.
Salt Substitute
For Health Reasons, if you need to lower the sodium content, simply reduce the amount of salt by half or omit it altogether. However, a pinch of salt does enhance the sweetness and overall flavor profile of the cookies, so consider using a salt substitute or adjusting other flavors to compensate.
Final Thoughts
By following these detailed instructions and tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating deliciously delicate Girl Scout Trefoils Cookies at home.
More Cookies Recipes:
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softenedÂ
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for a hint of flavor)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Tray: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together with a hand mixer or a stand mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes.
- Add Vanilla Extract: Mix in the vanilla extract until thoroughly combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the sifted flour and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until just incorporated. Over-mixing at this stage can lead to tough cookies.
- Form the Dough: Once the mixture comes together into a cohesive dough, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Press the dough together into a flat disc.
- Roll Out the Dough: Using a rolling pin, roll the dough out to about 1/4-inch thickness. Ensure the dough is uniformly thick enough to bake.
- Cut Out Cookies: Use a cookie cutter to cut out shapes. Using a round cutter, gently indent each cookie with a smaller item (like the end of a utensil or a smaller cutter) to mimic the Trefoil design.
- Bake: Place the cut-out cookies on the prepared baking sheet at least 1 inch apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Baking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of your cookies.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
