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Crispy Butter Pastries With Meringue

Crispy Butter Pastries with Meringue

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These Crispy Butter Pastries with Meringue are a delicious and light treat that combines the flakiness of buttery dough with the airy sweetness of meringue. Perfect for any occasion, these pastries are easy to make and are sure to impress your guests with their delicate texture and sweet flavor. Whether served with a hot cup of tea or paired with a dollop of whipped cream, these pastries are the perfect indulgence.

Ingredients

For the Dough:

  • All-purpose flour: 250g (2 cups)
  • Salt: A pinch
  • Vanilla extract or vanillin: 1 teaspoon
  • Cold butter (cubed): 160g (⅔ cup)
  • Sour cream: 100g (⅓ cup)
  • Egg yolks: 2 (reserve the whites for the meringue)

For the Meringue:

  • Egg whites: 2
  • Salt: A pinch
  • Sugar: 100g (½ cup)
  • Vanilla extract or vanillin: 1 teaspoon

Optional:

  • Powdered sugar: For dusting

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

  1. Mix Dry Ingredients:
    In a large bowl, combine 250g of flour, a pinch of salt, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract or vanillin. Stir to combine.
  2. Rub in the Butter:
    Add 160g of cold butter cubes to the flour mixture. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  3. Add Egg Yolks and Sour Cream:
    Add 2 egg yolks and 100g of sour cream to the mixture. Knead gently until the dough comes together and becomes smooth.
  4. Shape the Dough:
    Divide the dough into 25 equal pieces and roll each piece into a small ball.
  5. Refrigerate:
    Place the dough balls in the refrigerator for 10 minutes to chill.

Step 2: Prepare the Meringue

  1. Whisk the Egg Whites:
    In a clean bowl, whisk 2 egg whites with a pinch of salt until soft peaks form.
  2. Add Sugar:
    Gradually add 100g of sugar while continuing to whisk until stiff peaks form. Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract or vanillin and mix to incorporate.

Step 3: Shape the Pastries

  1. Flatten the Dough Balls:
    Take each chilled dough ball and flatten it into a small disc.
  2. Add Meringue:
    Spoon a small amount of meringue into the center of each disc and fold over the edges to partially cover the meringue. (Refer to video or image for shaping).

Step 4: Bake the Pastries

  1. Preheat the Oven:
    Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
  2. Bake:
    Place the shaped pastries on the prepared baking tray and bake for 25 minutes, or until the pastries are golden brown and the meringue is set.

Step 5: Finishing Touches

  1. Cool the Pastries:
    Remove the pastries from the oven and let them cool slightly.
  2. Dust with Powdered Sugar:
    If desired, dust the pastries with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.
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Step 6: Serve

  1. Serving Suggestions:
    Serve the pastries warm or at room temperature. They are perfect with a hot cup of tea or coffee.

Cooking Tips

  1. Cold Butter is Key:
    Ensure your butter is cold when rubbing it into the flour. This will help create a flaky, crumbly dough.
  2. Whisk the Egg Whites Properly:
    Make sure the bowl is clean and free of grease when whipping the egg whites to achieve stiff peaks.
  3. Work Quickly:
    Handle the dough as quickly as possible to prevent it from becoming too soft. Refrigerate the dough balls as needed.
  4. Don’t Overfill:
    Be cautious not to overfill the dough with meringue, as it may spill out during baking.
  5. Optional Fillings:
    You can add small pieces of fruit, jam, or chocolate in the center of the meringue for an added flavor twist.

Substitutions and Variations

  1. Different Fillings:
    Experiment with different fillings like fruit, chocolate, or jam for extra flavor and texture.
  2. Gluten-Free Option:
    Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these pastries gluten-free.
  3. Dairy-Free Option:
    Use plant-based butter and dairy-free yogurt as replacements for a dairy-free version of these pastries.

FAQs

Can I use frozen puff pastry dough?

Yes, you can use frozen puff pastry as a shortcut. Just be sure to thaw it according to package instructions before shaping.

How do I store leftovers?

Store the pastries in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days.

Can I freeze these pastries?

Yes, you can freeze the unbaked dough. Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator before proceeding with baking.

Nutritional Information (Per Pastry, Approx.)

  • Calories: 150
  • Carbohydrates: 15g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Fat: 9g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 60mg
  • Sodium: 50mg
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Sugar: 7g

Storage

  • Room Temperature: Store the pastries in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
  • Refrigerator: Keep the pastries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
  • Freezer: Freeze the unbaked dough for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator and bake as directed.

Conclusion

These Crispy Butter Pastries with Meringue are an irresistible treat that combines flaky, buttery dough with light, sweet meringue. They are perfect for any time of day and can be enjoyed with a hot beverage or as a delightful dessert. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply indulging in a delicious homemade treat, these pastries are sure to impress with their elegant simplicity and delightful flavor.

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