If you are a fan of syrupy desserts with a crispy texture, these Crispy Walnut Syrup Pastries are the perfect treat for you. This delightful dessert features a buttery, nutty dough soaked in a sweet lemon-infused syrup, creating a mouth-watering combination of flavors and textures. This recipe yields approximately 13 generous portions, but you can make smaller pieces to get more servings if desired.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe: These Crispy Walnut Syrup Pastries offer a perfect blend of crispy and syrupy, making each bite a delightful experience. The nutty flavor from the walnuts or hazelnuts, combined with the sweet syrup, creates a harmonious taste that is hard to resist. The addition of semolina gives the dough a unique texture that enhances the overall experience. Plus, it's a versatile recipe that you can easily adjust to suit your taste and portion preferences.
Perfect Occasions for This Dessert: This dessert is ideal for family gatherings, holiday feasts, or any special occasion where you want to impress your guests with a homemade treat. Its beautiful presentation and delicious taste make it a standout dessert for festive dinners, birthdays, or any celebration. It's also a great addition to a dessert buffet or as a sweet treat to enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee.
Decoration Tips:
- Garnish each piece with a whole walnut or hazelnut on top for an elegant touch.
- Dust lightly with powdered sugar before serving for a classic look.
- Drizzle with a bit of extra syrup before serving to enhance the sweetness and shine.
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for added indulgence.
Ingredients:
- For the Syrup:
- 2.5 cups granulated sugar (200ml cup)
- 2.5 cups water
- 4-5 drops of lemon juice
- For the Dough:
- 4.4 oz (125g) butter or margarine (at room temperature)
- 1 large egg (at room temperature)
- 1 tea glass + 1 tablespoon semolina
- 1 packet baking powder
- 1 tablespoon vinegar (for extra crispiness)
- Approximately 1 cup all-purpose flour (add gradually)
- 1 to 1.5 tea glasses of chopped walnuts or hazelnuts (optional)
- Prepare the Syrup:
- In a suitable saucepan, combine the granulated sugar and water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low heat and let simmer for 15 minutes.
- Add the lemon juice and continue to simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let the syrup cool completely.
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the butter or margarine, egg, semolina, baking powder, and vinegar. Mix well until smooth.
- Gradually add the flour until you get a non-sticky dough. The dough should be soft and pliable.
- Incorporate the chopped walnuts or hazelnuts into the dough and knead until evenly distributed.
- Shape and Bake the Dough:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Roll the dough into a thin cylinder and divide it into equal portions.
- Shape each portion into small, round discs and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Use a knife to make several cuts on the surface of each disc.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown.
- Combine the Syrup and Pastry:
- Remove the pastries from the oven and let them cool for 2 minutes.
- Pour the cold syrup over the hot pastries, ensuring they are well soaked.
- Let the pastries sit for at least 2 hours to absorb the syrup fully.
Final Touch: Enjoy these crispy, syrup-soaked Walnut Syrup Pastries with their delightful nutty flavor and perfect balance of sweetness. Ideal for any occasion that calls for a delicious and impressive treat.
Enjoy!