Croatian Cookies

Croatian Cookies Recipe

Region / culture: Croatia | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 45 minutes | Servings: 12

Introduction

Croatian Cookies are a delicious and traditional treat that are perfect for any occasion. These cookies are made with a buttery dough, sweet boysenberry preserves, and a crunchy walnut topping. They are sure to be a hit with your family and friends!

History

Croatian Cookies have been a staple in Croatian households for generations. These cookies are often made during holidays and special occasions, and are a beloved treat that brings families together. The combination of buttery dough, sweet preserves, and crunchy nuts makes these cookies a favorite among both young and old.

Ingredients

0.5 lb (227 g) of sweet cream butter
0.5 cup of sugar
1 egg yolk
0.5 tsp of salt
2.5 cups of flour
0.75 cup of finely ground walnuts (optional)
4 egg whites
1 cup of sugar
1 to 2 cups of raspberry preserves (can be substituted with strawberry or boysenberry)
1 cup of finely ground walnuts (approximately)

How to prepare

Cream 0.5 cup of sugar with butter.
Add egg yolk and salt.
Gradually add flour and mix with a fork or by hand.
Pat the dough into a thin layer in a 12 x 12 inches pan.
Spread preserves over the dough.
Whip egg whites until stiff.
Slowly add 1 cup of sugar to the egg whites until thick and shiny (meringue).
Fold in 0.75 cup of finely ground nuts.
Spread the egg mixture evenly over the preserves.
Sprinkle with the remaining finely chopped nuts.
Bake at 350°F (177°C) for about 35–45 minutes. (Watch the topping nuts for darkness or burning. They should be a nice light brown).
When warm, cut into squares.

Variations

You can use different types of preserves such as raspberry or apricot for a different flavor.
You can also try using different types of nuts such as almonds or pecans for a unique twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to cream the sugar and butter together until light and fluffy for the best texture.

- Be sure to spread the preserves evenly over the dough to ensure every bite is filled with delicious flavor.

- Watch the topping nuts closely while baking to prevent burning. They should be a nice light brown when done.

Serving Suggestions

Croatian Cookies are best enjoyed with a cup of coffee or tea.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to whip the egg whites until stiff for a light and fluffy topping.

- Folding in the ground nuts gently will help maintain the airy texture of the meringue.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use margarine instead of butter for a dairy-free option.

- You can use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version of the cookies.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the dough and topping ahead of time and assemble and bake the cookies when ready to serve.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Croatian Cookies on a decorative platter with a dusting of powdered sugar for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Croatian Cookies pair well with a glass of dessert wine or a cup of hot cocoa.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store Croatian Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They can also be frozen for longer storage. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (177°C) for a few minutes to crisp them up.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Croatian Cookies contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Croatian Cookies contains approximately 20 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Croatian Cookies contains approximately 10 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Croatian Cookies contains approximately 3 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Croatian Cookies are a good source of vitamin E from the walnuts.

Alergens

Croatian Cookies contain nuts and eggs.

Summary

Croatian Cookies are a delicious treat that are relatively high in carbohydrates and fats, but also provide some protein and vitamin E.

Summary

Croatian Cookies are a delicious and traditional treat that are perfect for any occasion. With a buttery dough, sweet preserves, and a crunchy nut topping, these cookies are sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I knew I had to try it. It was a cold winter day, and I was flipping through an old cookbook that I had found tucked away in the back of my pantry. As I turned the yellowed pages, a worn and stained piece of paper fell out, revealing a handwritten recipe for Croatian Cookies.

I had never heard of Croatian Cookies before, but the ingredients listed – butter, sugar, flour, and lemon zest – sounded simple enough. The instructions were brief and to the point, with no fancy techniques or complicated steps. It seemed like the perfect recipe to try on a lazy Sunday afternoon.

I gathered the ingredients and set to work in my cozy kitchen. As I mixed the dough together, the sweet scent of lemon filled the air, bringing back memories of my own grandmother's kitchen. She was the one who first taught me how to bake, passing down recipes and tips that had been in our family for generations.

As I rolled out the dough and cut it into small rounds, I couldn't help but think of all the hands that had touched this recipe before mine. I imagined a young Croatian woman, standing in her own kitchen many years ago, carefully measuring out each ingredient and shaping the cookies with love and care.

The cookies baked to a golden perfection, filling the house with a warm and inviting aroma. I couldn't wait to taste them, to see if they lived up to the memories and stories that had been passed down through the generations.

I took a bite of the cookie and closed my eyes, savoring the sweet and buttery flavor. It was unlike anything I had ever tasted before – a perfect balance of sweetness and citrus, with a hint of nostalgia that warmed my heart.

From that moment on, Croatian Cookies became a staple in my kitchen. I made them for every special occasion, from birthdays to holidays, and shared the recipe with friends and family who all fell in love with their unique flavor.

Over the years, I have made a few tweaks to the original recipe, adding a pinch of cinnamon here, a sprinkle of powdered sugar there. But the essence of the cookies remains the same – a simple yet delicious treat that brings joy to all who taste them.

I like to think that the original creator of this recipe would be proud to see how it has been cherished and passed down through the years. I can almost picture her smiling down on me as I mix the dough and shape the cookies, knowing that her legacy lives on in every bite.

As I sit here now, writing down the story of Croatian Cookies, I can't help but feel grateful for the gift of cooking and the joy of sharing recipes with others. It is a tradition that has brought my family closer together, connecting us to our past and creating new memories for the future.

And so, I will continue to bake these cookies with love and care, honoring the tradition that has been passed down to me. For as long as I live, the scent of lemon and butter will fill my kitchen, reminding me of the simple pleasures that bring us all together – one delicious cookie at a time.