Discover the charm of these delightful cookies, known under various affectionate names depending on the region, including “Meringue Kisses,” “Aspirins,” and “Sunshines.” These treats feature a crisp meringue atop a buttery shortcrust pastry, filled with sweet plum jam and rolled in coconut flakes for an irresistible combination of textures and flavors.
Why You’ll Love This:
These cookies offer a perfect balance of sweetness and texture, combining the softness of plum jam with the crispness of meringue and the richness of shortcrust pastry. The added coconut flakes introduce a tropical note, making each bite a multi-sensory delight. Simple to prepare, these cookies are a testament to the beauty of classic baking.
Perfect Occasion:
Ideal for festive occasions, afternoon tea, or as a charming homemade gift. Their elegant appearance and delightful flavor profile make them a welcome addition to any dessert table, celebration, or casual gathering.
Decoration Tips:
For an extra touch of elegance, dust the meringue tops with a little powdered sugar before serving. You can also vary the filling by using different types of jam or adding a sprinkle of lemon zest to the meringue mixture for a citrusy twist.
Ingredients for the Shortcrust Pastry:
- 300g all-purpose flour
- 3 egg yolks
- 250g butter
For the Meringue Topping:
- 1 egg white
- 100g powdered sugar
Additional:
- Plum jam
- Coconut flakes
Instructions:
- Knead the flour, egg yolks, and butter into a uniform dough. Form into a ball, wrap in cling film, and chill in the fridge for 30 minutes.
- Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface and cut out circles using a glass or cookie cutter.
- Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Whip the egg white with powdered sugar until stiff. Apply a layer of this meringue mixture onto each cookie with a brush.
- Bake at 180°C (356°F) for about 15 minutes, then allow to cool.
- Sandwich two cookies together with plum jam in the middle.
- Spread a thin layer of jam around the edges of each cookie sandwich and roll in coconut flakes.
Enjoy these Crisp Meringue Kisses, a delightful fusion of flavors and textures that promise to bring joy and sweetness to any occasion.
