Home baking based on mayonnaise has long ceased to be exotic and has become one of the most in-demand recipes in the Ukrainian and post-Soviet culinary tradition. The Styler project, part of the RBC-Ukraine media holding, published a detailed recipe for delicate, crumbly cookies that are made from a minimal set of ingredients and require no special culinary skills. The key feature of the dough is the use of mayonnaise instead of butter or margarine, which gives the finished cookies a characteristic softness and lightness, and also simplifies the kneading process.
The Classic of Home Baking: Why Mayonnaise in the Dough
In baking recipes, mayonnaise acts as an emulsifier and a source of fats that make the dough pliable and tender. Unlike traditional butter-based recipes, mayonnaise dough does not require prolonged kneading and does not "tear" during shaping. According to Styler, the dough works well both for plain cookies without add-ins and for versions with nuts, chocolate chunks, or jam. This makes the recipe versatile: the same base allows you to make several different types of baked goods depending on your mood and the ingredients available.
Step-by-Step Process: From Kneading to the Baking Tray
The preparation technology is extremely simple. According to the Styler recipe, the flour should be added gradually, not all at once, and a soft dough should be kneaded. The editors emphasize that the amount of flour may vary slightly depending on its humidity and grade, so strict measuring is not essential — the consistency is the guide: the dough should be soft and easy to shape. The finished dough is rolled out or the cookies are shaped by hand into the desired form. At this stage, you can mix in nuts, add chocolate chunks, or place a jam filling. The shaped pieces are arranged on a baking tray and placed in a preheated oven.
Secrets of Perfect Baking: Temperature and Time
The oven needs to be preheated to 180 degrees Celsius. The standard baking time is 15–20 minutes. However, Styler draws attention to an important nuance: if the cookies are thin, they will be ready significantly faster. Therefore, after the first 10–15 minutes, the baking needs to be monitored so as not to overdry them. The finished cookies should acquire a slightly golden hue — this color is the indicator of perfect doneness. Overheating causes the cookies to become hard and lose their signature crumbly texture.
Variability of Fillings and Serving
The Styler recipe positions the cookies as a flexible base for experiments. The classic version — without add-ins, with a thin layer of sugar or vanilla sugar. The version with nuts (walnuts, hazelnuts, or almonds) gives the baked goods a crunchy texture and a rich flavor. Chocolate chunks, distributed over the dough before baking, partially melt and create caramel streaks inside the cookies. Jam placed in the center of the piece turns ordinary cookies into mini confections. Serving — with tea, coffee, or cocoa, which makes the recipe ideal for a family tea time or a quick treat for guests.
Context: Styler and Home Cooking Trends
Styler is an entertainment and lifestyle project of RBC-Ukraine that combines entertainment and lifestyle: it publishes materials on trends, celebrities, tips, recipes, and horoscopes. The project is registered in the Register of Media Subjects of Ukraine under identification number R40-05347. Within its culinary column, Styler regularly shares simple home recipes aimed at an audience that values accessible ingredients and minimal hassle. Previously, the project published a recipe for a homemade "cake" that is made without complex baking or extra effort, which underscores the overall philosophy of the section: quality food should not be complicated. All images marked with the Styler logo or the RBC-Ukraine signature are distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International license.
