These Nut-Filled Meringue Cookies are a delightful combination of crumbly, buttery dough and a sweet and airy meringue filling. They’re surprisingly easy to make and require minimal ingredients. Perfect for afternoon tea parties, bake sales, or a sweet treat anytime, these cookies are sure to impress with their unique texture and delicious flavor.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes Chill Time: 30 minutes Cook Time: 20-25 minutes Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes Servings: Makes about 20-24 cookies (depending on cookie cutter size)
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 100g Butter (softened at room temperature)
- 80g Sour Cream
- 1 Egg Yolk
- 30g Sugar
- ~240g All-Purpose Flour
- 1/2 teaspoon Baking Powder
For the Filling:
- 1 Egg White
- 40g Sugar
- 100g Walnuts, chopped (or other chopped nuts like pecans, almonds, or hazelnuts)
- Pinch of Salt
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Sugar (or substitute with 1 teaspoon regular sugar and a few drops of vanilla extract)
Additional Items:
- Parchment Paper
- Rolling Pin
- Round Cookie Cutter
- Wire Rack (for cooling)
Instructions:
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Make the Dough: Cream together the softened butter and sugar in a mixing bowl until light and fluffy. This will take a few minutes with an electric mixer or by hand.
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Beat in Wet Ingredients: Once the butter and sugar are well combined, beat in the egg yolk and sour cream until everything is well incorporated.
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Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies tough.
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Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilled dough is less likely to spread too much while baking, resulting in cookies that hold their shape better.
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Prepare the Filling: While the dough chills, prepare the meringue filling. In a clean, grease-free bowl, beat the egg white with a pinch of salt until stiff peaks form. Gradually whisk in the sugar and vanilla sugar (or sugar and vanilla extract) until the meringue is glossy and stiff. Gently fold in the chopped walnuts using a rubber spatula.
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Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
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Assemble and Bake: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to a thickness of about 3mm (1/⅛ inch). Use a round cookie cutter to cut out circles from the dough. Place a dollop of the nut meringue filling in the center of each dough circle.
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Bake the Cookies: Arrange the filled cookies on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between them for spreading. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on them to avoid over-browning.
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Cool and Enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. The meringue filling will firm up as it cools.
Serving Suggestions:
- Enjoy these cookies on their own with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat.
- Dust them with a little powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness and elegance.
- Package them up in a cute box or tin for a homemade gift that’s sure to be appreciated.
Storage Tips:
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The meringue filling will soften slightly over time, but the cookies will still be delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Easy to Make: This recipe requires minimal ingredients and comes together quickly, making it perfect for beginner bakers or busy schedules.
- Unique Texture: The combination of the crumbly dough and the airy meringue filling creates a delightful textural contrast that’s truly enjoyable.
- Customizable: Feel free to experiment with different types of chopped nuts in the filling to suit your taste preferences.
Nutritional Benefits:
While these cookies are a delicious treat, it’s important to be mindful of portion sizes due to the sugar and butter content. However, they do offer some benefits:
- Source of Energy: The carbohydrates from the flour and sugar provide a quick source of energy.
- Healthy Fats: The butter contributes some healthy fats, although it’s important to consume them in moderation.
- Protein Boost: The egg and nuts add a small amount of protein to the cookies.
Dietary Information:
This recipe can be adapted to fit various dietary needs:
- Gluten-free: Use a certified gluten-free flour blend for the dough.
- Dairy-free: Substitute the butter with vegan butter or another dairy-free alternative. You can also use a vegan egg replacer for the egg yolk in the dough. Opt for dairy-free chocolate chips if using them for decoration (mentioned previously).
Storage:
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The meringue filling will soften slightly over time, but the cookies will still be delicious.
Conclusion:
These Nut-Filled Meringue Cookies are a delightful treat that’s surprisingly easy to make. With their unique texture, delicious flavor, and customizable options, they’re a perfect addition to your baking repertoire. So preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and whip up a batch of these delightful cookies! Enjoy them yourself or share them with friends and family. They’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser!