The confection itself is prepared with only five ingredients and the glaze on top is completely optional. Even still, the glaze is only two additional ingredients! Portuguese Holiday Biscuits are very easy to prepare; they are rustic and simple and the taste reminds me of the cookies we used to enjoy in the Christmases of my youth. These also make a great addition to a cookie gift box!
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper. Set aside.
In a mixing bowl, beat the melted butter with the sugar until well-mixed.
Next, beat in the eggs.
Add the flour and baking powder. Beat until a dough starts to form.
Remove the dough from the bowl and set it on a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough to bring it all together and to ensure it is smooth.
Portion out 2 tablespoons of dough and roll it into a log measuring 6 inches in length with a 1/2 inch thickness.
Form an oval shape with the log, overlapping one end with the other. Push gently with your index finger to stick the ends together and transfer to the prepared baking sheet.
Continue until all of the dough is formed.
Bake the biscuits for 20 minutes or until the outer edges are just lightly browned.
Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 3 minutes. Carefully transfer the cookies to a wire cooling rack to finish cooling.
Optional Glaze:
Whisk together the confectioner's sugar and milk until well combined. Spoon the glaze over the biscuits (immediately top with sprinkles if using) and allow the glaze to harden and firm before storing the biscuits in a food-safe container.