Biscoitos De Maizena (cornstarch Cookies)

Makes about 2 Dozen Cookies

The Cook & Kitchen Staff are taking you to four different corners of the
world to serve up a variety of regional holiday specialties. We’re
currently offering you a taste of the holidays in Brazil, so break out your
shorts and T-shirt and head to the kitchen right now to prepare these
delectable little cookies.

Christmas in Brazil is a most festive occasion that ushers in the beginning
of summer. The tropical temperatures make Christmas in Brazil a unique
holiday, where the lights and glitter of Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo, and
Brasilia sparkle long into the night.

Today’s recipe is a Brazilian favorite and you will find many variations of
this most basic recipe served in homes all over Brazil during the holidays.
They’re called Maizena cookies because that’s the brand name for cornstarch
in Brazil, and cornstarch is the primary ingredient in these tasty little
melt-in-your-mouth cookies.

Preheat oven to 375-F degrees. Lightly grease a baking or cookie sheet.

Sift cornstarch, sugar, and salt together in a large mixing bowl. Add the
lightly beaten egg and blend in the butter, incorporating the coconut as
well, if desired. Knead well. Let stand for 10 to
15 minutes.

To prepare traditionally shaped Biscoitos de Maizena, roll about a 1-inch
ball in the palms of your freshly cleaned hands and drop each cookie onto
the prepared cookie sheet. Using the tines of a fork, gently press the
cookie flat with a criss-crossed pattern. You may elect to use a cookie
press to drop your cookies on the prepared cookie sheet, also.

Bake for about 8 to 10 minutes, depending on cookie size. Let cool and
serve with a steaming cup of Brazilian coffee. Store in an airtight
container for up to 2 weeks.