Custard cookies, also known as custard shortbread cookies, are a type of cookie that combines the buttery richness of shortbread cookies with the delicate flavor of custard. These cookies are popular in many parts of the world and are loved for their melt-in-your-mouth texture and subtle sweetness. The primary ingredient that gives custard cookies their unique flavor is custard powder. Custard powder is a fine, flavored powder made from ingredients like cornstarch, sugar, and artificial flavoring, typically used to make custard sauce or pudding. When added to the cookie dough, it imparts a creamy and slightly vanilla-like flavor, making the cookies distinctively custard-flavored. Custard cookies are usually shaped into small rounds or balls and are often marked with a fork’s tines to create a decorative pattern on top before baking. These cookies are delightful to enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee due to their tender, crumbly texture.
What is custard powder?
Custard powder is a pantry staple used primarily to make custard, a creamy and sweet dessert sauce or pudding. It is a fine, flavored powder that typically consists of a combination of ingredients like cornstarch (cornflour), sugar, salt, and artificial flavoring, often including vanilla. Some custard powder brands might also contain coloring agents to give the custard a yellow hue. To prepare custard using custard powder, you usually mix it with milk and heat it on the stove while stirring continuously until it thickens and becomes a smooth, creamy sauce or pudding. The result is a custard with a pleasant vanilla flavor and a silky-smooth texture. Custard powder is a convenient way to make custard without the need for eggs or more complex custard recipes. It is often used as a topping for desserts like pies, tarts, and puddings, or served on its own in small dishes. Additionally, custard powder can be used in baking to impart a custard flavor to various recipes, as seen in custard cookies or custard-filled pastries. It’s worth noting that custard powder brands may vary in ingredients and flavors, so you can choose one that aligns with your preferences or dietary requirements.
Custard biscuits
Preheat your oven to 350°F /180°C/ Gas mark 4. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it. Dry ingredients – In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, custard powder, baking powder, and salt until well combined. Wet ingredients – In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add the vanilla extract and combine well. Combine – Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the creamed butter and sugar mixture. Mix until a soft and crumbly dough forms. You can use a spatula or your hands to help bring the dough together until the dough becomes smooth and uniform.Pro tip – If the cookie dough is too dry and cracking when you shape a ball. Add one to two tbsp of water and try again. But, note that too much water can cause the cookies to spread too much. Shape – Take small portions of the dough and roll them into 18 equal-sized balls. Place these balls onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Using a fork, gently press down on each cookie ball to flatten it slightly and create a crisscross pattern on top.Pro tip – If desired, sprinkle a small amount of granulated sugar over the top of each cookie for a slightly sweet finish. Bake – Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 12-15 minutes or until the edges of the cookies turn a light golden brown. Cool – Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once the custard cookies have cooled, store any leftovers in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
Tips for Success
Use High-Quality Ingredients: The quality of your ingredients, especially the custard powder and butter, will greatly impact the flavor and texture of the cookies. Choose a good-quality custard powder for the best results. Softened Butter: Make sure your butter is properly softened at room temperature. This allows it to cream well with the sugar, resulting in a smoother dough. Creaming Butter and Sugar: Cream the butter and sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, usually for about 2-3 minutes. This step helps create a tender and airy texture in the cookies. Sift the Custard Powder: Sift the custard powder and other dry ingredients before adding them to the wet ingredients. This ensures that they are well-distributed and prevents lumps in the dough. Do Not Overmix: Once you start adding the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mix only until the dough comes together. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Chill the Dough: If the dough becomes too sticky or soft, you can chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before shaping the cookies. Chilled dough is easier to work with. Evenly Sized Cookies: When rolling the dough into balls, try to make them as uniform in size as possible. This ensures even baking. Fork Pattern: When pressing the cookies with a fork, dip the fork in a little flour or custard powder to prevent it from sticking to the dough. Press gently to avoid flattening the cookies too much. Baking Time: Keep a close eye on the cookies as they bake. They should be lightly golden around the edges when done, which typically takes 12-15 minutes in a preheated oven. Overbaking can make them dry. Cooling: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them set without breaking. Storage: Store the completely cooled cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh. They should stay delicious for several days.
Creative variations
Lemon Custard Cookies: Add the zest of one lemon to the dough for a zesty twist. You can also make a lemon glaze by mixing lemon juice and powdered sugar and drizzling it over the cooled cookies for extra lemony flavor. Almond Custard Cookies: Incorporate finely chopped almonds or almond extract into the dough for a delightful almond flavor. You can also press a whole almond or almond sliver on top of each cookie before baking for an elegant touch. Chocolate Chip Custard Cookies: Fold in mini chocolate chips or finely chopped chocolate into the dough for a delicious chocolate chip custard cookie variation. The combination of custard and chocolate is delightful. Coconut Custard Cookies: Add shredded coconut to the dough for a tropical twist. You can also dip the baked cookies in melted white or dark chocolate and sprinkle them with more coconut for an extra coconutty treat. Raspberry Jam-Filled Custard Cookies: After rolling the dough into balls, make an indentation in the center of each cookie with your thumb or the back of a spoon. Fill the indentations with a small spoonful of raspberry jam before baking. The fruity jam will complement the custard flavor beautifully. Custard Sandwich Cookies: Make two batches of Custard Cookies and sandwich them together with your favorite filling. Some delicious options include Nutella, peanut butter, or a creamy custard buttercream frosting. These sandwich cookies offer a delightful contrast in texture.
Creative ways to serve custard cookies
Custard Cookie Ice Cream Sandwiches: Place a scoop of your favorite ice cream (vanilla, chocolate, or a complementary flavor) between two Custard Cookies to create delightful ice cream sandwiches. Roll the edges in chopped nuts, mini chocolate chips, or colorful sprinkles for an extra touch of indulgence. Custard Cookie Parfait: Layer crushed Custard Cookies with layers of whipped cream and fresh fruit in a glass or parfait dish to create a Custard Cookie parfait. Top it off with a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce for an elegant dessert. Custard Cookie Trifle: Cut Custard Cookies into smaller pieces and use them as one of the layers in a trifle dessert. Layer them with custard, fruit, and whipped cream to create a visually stunning and delicious trifle. Custard Cookie Cheesecake Crust: Crush Custard Cookies and use them as the base for a no-bake cheesecake or pie. Mix the cookie crumbs with melted butter, press them into a pie dish, and then add your cheesecake or pie filling on top. Custard Cookie Milkshake: Blend Custard Cookies with vanilla ice cream and milk to create a Custard Cookie-flavored milkshake. Top it with whipped cream, a drizzle of caramel or chocolate syrup, and a whole Custard Cookie as garnish. Custard Cookie Affogato: Serve a scoop of vanilla ice cream in a coffee cup or glass and crumble a Custard Cookie on top. Pour a shot of hot espresso or strong brewed coffee over the ice cream and cookie crumbs. It’s a delicious combination of warm and cold, coffee and custard.
Frequently asked questions
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