Romany Creams are beloved cookies characterized by their crunchiness, rich chocolate flavor, and delightful coconut addition. They serve as a perfect treat during afternoon tea or coffee breaks, making them a crowd-pleaser among cookie lovers.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This recipe for Romany Creams stands out because it balances crunchy cookie textures with the rich creaminess of chocolate. They are surprisingly simple to make and yield a batch that’s perfect for sharing (or not!). The combination of margarine, cocoa powder, and desiccated coconut creates a flavorful cookie that satisfies various palates. Once you’ve mastered this recipe, you’ll want to whip up batches regularly!
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients to create your delicious Romany Creams:
- 350g softened margarine
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp icing sugar
- 1 large egg
- 4 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 2½ cups cake flour
- ¾ cup cocoa powder
- 1½ cups desiccated coconut
- 200g chocolate (melted, for sandwiching)
Instructions
Creating your Romany Creams is straightforward. Follow these steps to enjoy freshly baked cookies:
- Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened margarine, granulated sugar, and icing sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
- Step 2: Beat in the large egg and vegetable oil until fully combined with the sugar mixture.
- Step 3: Sift in the cake flour, baking powder, and cocoa powder. Add in the desiccated coconut, stirring until it forms a soft dough.
- Step 4: Roll small portions of dough into balls, approximately the size of a walnut. Slightly flatten them with your palm or a fork to add some texture.
- Step 5: Position the cookies on a greased or lined baking tray, leaving space between each.
- Step 6: Bake the cookies in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 12–15 minutes, or until they feel firm to the touch. Allow them to cool completely on a wire rack.
- Step 7: Once the cookies have cooled, pair them by size. Spread or pipe melted chocolate on the flat side of one cookie and sandwich it with another cookie.
Pro Tips for Making Romany Creams
- For a richer flavor, opt for dark chocolate when sandwiching the cookies.
- Make sure to store your cookies in an airtight container to retain freshness for up to a week.
- If you prefer to enjoy them later, freeze the unfilled cookies and assemble them whenever you are ready to indulge.
FAQs
1. Can I substitute margarine with butter?
Yes, you can substitute margarine with an equal amount of softened butter for a richer flavor.
2. How should I store the cookies?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
3. Can I use a different type of flour?
Using cake flour is recommended for texture, but you can experiment with all-purpose flour if needed. The cookies may be slightly denser.
4. What type of chocolate is best to use for sandwiching?
Dark or semi-sweet chocolate is preferable for a more robust flavor, but milk chocolate can be used for a sweeter option.
5. Is it possible to make these cookies gluten-free?
You can try using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, but results may vary in terms of texture and flavor.
Conclusion
Romany Creams are a delightful way to treat yourself or impress guests during an afternoon tea. With their rich flavors and satisfying crunch, these cookies are not just simple to make but also incredibly enjoyable. Follow this recipe, and soon you will have a delicious batch to pair with your favorite beverage!