Although my parents and grandparents were born in the United States, my grandmother had several family member in Wales. She would write them letters and visit them, so she passed on some of the food and culture.
My absolute favorite Welsh treat is this Welsh cookie recipe. Welsh cookies, also called Welsh cakes, are unlike other cookies. They are made similar to a dough, then they are cooked on a griddle and then dipped in sugar.
They are pretty easy to make, but the currants can be hard to find. My grocery store only carries them in the fall though Christmas, so I stock up or order them online if I need them though the year.
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My grandmother used to make these all the time. She would spend hours making several batches of these delicious cookies and freeze the leftovers. She would put them in an ice cream bucket and put them in her big freezer for later.
When someone stopped by, she would have a grandkid sneak down to the basement to get the ice cream bucket and set them out on a plate. In about an hour, we had delicious cookies.
Welsh Cookies (aka Welsh Cakes) Recipe
My grandmother always made these with a scalloped cookie cutter. I'm not sure what the significance of that cookie cutter was, but I think someone in the family made it. She only used it for Welsh cookies though.
When she passed, everyone wanted that cookie cutter. I didn't get it, but I did find one similar. Mine has smaller scallops, so they don't turn out quite the same. But they taste the same, and that's all that matters.
More dessert recipes I'm sure you'll love:
What is the Best Way to Eat a Welsh Cake (Cookie)?
They are delicious warm or room temperature. I had plenty of them still partially frozen from the deep freeze, but I will admit that they are better warm.
If you do want to reheat them, it's best to heat them in a pan on the stove rather than microwave them. You can also heat them at 275 degrees Fahrenheit for three to four minutes.
You can dip them in sugar like I do or leave them plain and eat them with jam or butter.
Why Are They Called Welsh Cakes (Cookies)?
I grew up calling them Welsh cookies, but the Internet tells me that they are actually called Welsh cakes. They are also sometimes called bakestones or griddle cakes.
They were traditionally made on a cast iron griddle over an open fire. I use an electric skillet to make mine, and I've also made them in a pan on the stove.
How Long Do Welsh Cakes (Cookies) Last?
Welsh cakes will last about a week in an airtight container. You can also freeze them. They freeze beautifully and don't get soft when they thaw.
What are Currants?
You really do need to use currants for this recipe. You might be tempted to add raisins, but they will not taste the same.
Currants do come from grapes, specifically the Black Corinth grape. They are dried and give a sweet and flavorful dried fruit.
They are sometimes called Zante currants because the grapes were grown on the island of Zante south of Greece.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups white flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup vegetable shortening
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 cup currants
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
(or make your own vanilla extract)
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
Directions
Step #1
Add the white flour, salt, and vegetable shortening to a large bowl. Use a pastry blender to mix like you would a pie dough. It will be crumbly.
Step #2
Add the baking powder, nutmeg, currants, sugar, vanilla extract, eggs, and milk to the flour mixture. Stir well to combine.
Step #3
Roll to 1/4" thick. Cut out. If I made this when it's warm in the house, I put the dough in the fridge for 20 minutes to chill so it holds together easier.
Step #4
Cook on a greased griddle at 300 degrees until brown, about 3-4 minutes. Flip and cook again until brown.
Step #5
Remove from griddle and dip in white sugar. Flip to cover. Set on a baking rack to cool.
Yum! These Welsh cookies are delicious. They make a great snack with tea or just because. They aren't sweet, and the currants give them a different flavor than other cookies.
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Yield: 32
Welsh Cookies Recipe
prep time: 15 Mcook time: 1 hourtotal time: 1 H & 15 M
How to make traditional Welsh cookies (Welsh cakes).
ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups white flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup vegetable shortening
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 cup currants
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (or make your own vanilla extract)
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
instructions:
How to cook Welsh Cookies Recipe
- Add the white flour, salt, and vegetable shortening to a large bowl. Use a pastry blender to mix like you would a pie dough. It will be crumbly.
- Add the baking powder, nutmeg, currants, sugar, vanilla extract, eggs, and milk to the flour mixture. Stir well to combine.
- Roll to 1/4" thick. Cut out. If I made this when it's warm in the house, I put the dough in the fridge for 20 minutes to chill so it holds together easier.
- Cook on a greased griddle at 300 degrees until brown, about 3-4 minutes. Flip and cook again until brown.
- Remove from griddle and dip in white sugar. Flip to cover. Set on a baking rack to cool.
Calories
136.18
136.18
Fat (grams)
6.86
6.86
Sat. Fat (grams)
2.73
2.73
Carbs (grams)
17.21
17.21
Fiber (grams)
0.58
0.58
Net carbs
16.63
16.63
Sugar (grams)
9.32
9.32
Protein (grams)
1.65
1.65
Sodium (milligrams)
30.21
30.21
Cholesterol (grams)
15.37
15.37
Copyright © Koti Beth 2019. All rights reserved.
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