Souchki (small Russian bagel-style biscuits)

Instructions

1. Mix the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt and vanilla in a bowl.
2. Add the cold butter cut into cubes and rub in with your fingertips until the texture is sandy.
3. Add the egg and milk, then knead quickly until you have a smooth dough, without working it for too long.
4. Let the dough rest for 20 minutes in the fridge.
5. Divide the dough into small portions, roll each one into a rope about 15 cm long, then close them into rings by pinching the ends together.
6. Preheat the oven to 200 °C. Arrange the rings on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them a little apart.
7. Brush them with the egg yolk and milk mixture, sprinkle with poppy or sesame seeds, then bake for 12 to 15 minutes until nicely golden.
8. Let them cool on a wire rack: they become crunchy as they dry out.