Spoon Cookies (Homemade Ladyfingers)
Spoon cookies, also known as homemade ladyfingers, are delightful treats that add a touch of elegance to any dessert. They have a light and airy texture, making them perfect for soaking up delicious flavors in desserts like tiramisu or simply enjoyed on their own.
Why Make This Recipe
Making spoon cookies at home is a rewarding experience. Not only do they taste better than store-bought versions, but you also have complete control over the ingredients. With this simple recipe, you can whip up a batch and impress your family and friends. The best part is that they are easy enough for even beginner bakers to try!
How to Make Spoon Cookies
Ingredients:
- Eggs
- Sugar
- Lemon zest
- Vanilla seeds
- Flour
- Cornstarch
- Powdered sugar
- Icing sugar
Directions:
- Prepare the eggs: Use eggs at room temperature. Take them out of the fridge 1 to 2 hours before you start. This helps the egg whites rise well.
- Whisk egg yolks: In a large bowl, whisk the egg yolks with half of the sugar, lemon zest, and vanilla seeds for about 10 minutes. You want the mixture to become very fluffy and pale.
- Whip egg whites: In another bowl, whip the egg whites until they form stiff peaks. Slowly add the remaining sugar while whipping.
- Combine mixtures: Gently fold the whipped egg whites into the yolk mixture in several batches. Be careful not to deflate it!
- Sift and mix: Sift together the flour and cornstarch. Gradually fold this into the egg mixture gently.
- Pipe the cookies: Transfer the batter into a piping bag with a plain tip. On a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, pipe the biscuits about 8 to 10 cm apart.
- Dust with sugar: Dust each biscuit with powdered sugar, then with icing sugar.
- Bake: Bake at 210°C for 8 to 10 minutes. Keep the oven slightly ajar by propping a wooden spoon in the door.
- Cool down: Let the cookies cool before removing them from the baking sheet.
How to Serve Spoon Cookies
Spoon cookies are versatile! You can serve them as a sweet snack with tea or coffee. They are also great for layering in desserts like trifles and tiramisus, adding texture and sweetness. Enjoy them fresh or with a dollop of whipped cream!
How to Store Spoon Cookies
To store spoon cookies, place them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for a few days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them. Just make sure to separate layers with parchment to avoid sticking.
Tips to Make Spoon Cookies
- Use room temperature eggs for better volume.
- Be gentle when folding the mixtures to keep the light and airy texture.
- Dusting with sugars adds a nice sweetness and helps create a delicate crust.
Variation
You can add different flavors to your spoon cookies by including almond extract or cocoa powder into the batter. This gives a fun twist to the traditional cookie!
FAQs
1. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes, you can make spoon cookies a day ahead. Store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
2. What if I don’t have cornstarch?
If you don’t have cornstarch, you can replace it with an equal amount of flour, but the texture may be slightly different.
3. Can I use flavored extracts instead of vanilla?
Absolutely! You can experiment with different extracts, such as almond or lemon, for a unique flavor in your cookies.
