Discover the Delight of Hertzoggie Cookies
Are you familiar with the sweet charm of Hertzoggie cookies? These traditional South African treats are as authentic as they get, and when paired with a warm malva pudding (recipe available at http://www.livingdelish.com/malva-pudding/ , they make for a match made in heaven. To put it simply, Hertzoggie cookies are a delightful combination of jam, coconut meringue, and a crunchy pastry shell – perfect for an afternoon tea or as a sweet indulgence.
Don’t be intimidated by their intricate appearance; these cookies are surprisingly easy to make. Our simple and reliable recipe has never failed to deliver, and with a few helpful tips, you’ll be on your way to baking like a pro.
A Brief History and Cultural Significance of Hertzoggie Cookies
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s take a moment to appreciate the rich history and cultural significance of Hertzoggie cookies. These beloved cookies have been a staple in South African bakeries and households for generations, and their origins date back to the 1920s. Named after General Hertzog, the Prime Minister of South Africa at the time, these cookies were allegedly his favorite treat. Today, they remain a cherished part of South African culinary heritage, often served at social gatherings and family events. Whether you’re of South African descent or simply a lover of sweet treats, Hertzoggie cookies are sure to captivate your taste buds and leave you wanting more.
Tips for Baking the Perfect Hertzoggie Cookies
To ensure your Hertzoggie cookies turn out perfectly, follow these essential tips:
- Grease your muffin tins thoroughly to prevent the cookies from getting stuck.
- Be mindful of the amount of jam you use – too much can make the cookies overly sweet and cause the jam to leak out. For small muffin tins, use about 1/4 teaspoon of jam, and for standard muffin tins, use 1/2 teaspoon.
- Place the jam neatly in the center of the pastry shells, making sure it doesn’t touch the sides of the pan. This will prevent the cookies from sticking to the pan.
Let’s bake!
Hertzoggie Cookies
This recipe yields approximately 30 small tart cookies when using a small muffin tin, or around 15 larger cookies when using a standard muffin tin.
Preheat your fan-assisted oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a muffin tin thoroughly and set it aside.
Ingredients:
Crust:
450 ml Cake flour
35 ml Caster sugar
10 ml baking powder
1 ml salt
125g butter, soften
20 ml water
3 egg yolks
Filling:
+/- 60 ml apricot jam
3 egg whites
300 ml white sugar
500 ml shredded coconut
Making the Crust and Filling
- Prepare the Crust: Sift the flour, salt, and baking powder together into a large mixing bowl. Add the caster sugar and softened butter. Use your fingertips or an electric mixer (on a low speed) to rub the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse breadcrumbs.
- Combine the Egg Yolks and Water: In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and water until just combined. Gradually add the egg yolk mixture to the flour mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms. If the dough is too stiff, add a little more water to soften it.
Shaping the Crust
- Lightly flour a clean surface and roll out the dough to about 1/2 cm (1/4 inch) thickness.
- Use a round cookie cutter or the rim of a glass to cut out circles of dough. Gently press each circle into a prepared muffin tin, making sure to line the tin and leave a 1 cm (1/2 inch) border around the edges.
Preparing the Filling and Assembly
- Spoon 1/4 teaspoon of apricot jam into the center of each tart shell.
- In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gradually add the sugar, beating continuously, until fully incorporated. Stir in the shredded coconut.
- Spoon the coconut mixture over the jam-filled tart shells, dividing it evenly among the tarts.
Baking and Cooling
- Bake the Hertzoggie cookies in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 20-25 minutes, or until lightly golden brown.
- Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool slightly in the muffin tin. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Storing and Enjoying
Once the Hertzoggie cookies are completely cool, store them in an airtight container to maintain their freshness. Enjoy your delicious homemade treats!
