Hedgehog Cakes

Name: Hedgehog Cakes - Marcela K.
Ingredients: 3 egg yolks; 4 tablespoons of sugar; but you can add more for sweetness; 1 packet of baking powder; 3 tablespoons of lard or butter; 3 tablespoons of oil; 1 small cup of warm milk; flour as needed (approximately 500g). For decoration: 1 egg white for decoration; 50g raisins; 100g ground or chopped walnuts; 2 teaspoons of powdered sugar.

Dessert - Hedgehog Cakes by Marcela K. - Recipia

I made this recipe for the first time on a Sunday afternoon when I was looking for something quick for the kids. I wasn't in the mood for complicated cookies, but I wanted something nice to put on the table. Hedgehog cookies are easy to make, have readily available ingredients, and go well with coffee, not just for an afternoon snack. If you have half an hour, you can make them too without any problems. Quick Info Total time: approx. 1 hour Preparation time: 20-30 min (depending on how quickly you work the dough and shape the balls) Baking time: 20-25 min Servings: 40-45 pieces, depending on how big you make the hedgehogs Difficulty: easy Recipe type: cookies, quick homemade dessert, suitable for children or festive platters Ingredients For the dough: - 3 egg yolks - 4 tablespoons of sugar (you can add more if you prefer it sweeter) - 1 packet of baking powder - 3 tablespoons of lard or butter - 3 tablespoons of oil - 1 small cup of warm milk - flour as needed (approximately 500 g, but adjust as required by the dough) For decoration: - 1 egg white - a pinch of salt (for beating the egg white) - 50 g raisins (for eyes) - 100 g ground or finely chopped nuts (for "spines") - 2 teaspoons powdered sugar (for sprinkling at the end) Preparation method 1. Beat the egg yolks well with a pinch of salt and sugar. It doesn’t need to be creamy, just well mixed and the sugar should dissolve somewhat. 2. Add the lard or soft butter, oil, and then warm milk to the yolks one at a time. Mix well after each addition. 3. Add the baking powder. 4. Start incorporating the flour gradually. Knead until you get a firm dough that no longer sticks to your hands. You may need a bit more or less flour depending on the size of the eggs and the fat content of the butter. 5. Take pieces of the dough and shape them into balls about the size of a small walnut. Flatten them slightly on one side to resemble the back of a hedgehog. 6. Insert two raisins in the front for eyes. 7. Beat the remaining egg white with a pinch of salt until it forms stiff peaks. 8. Dip each ball with the top (the back of the hedgehog) into the egg white foam, then gently roll it in the ground or chopped nuts. 9. Place the cookies on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Leave some space between them as they will expand while baking. 10. Bake in a preheated oven at medium temperature (about 180°C, if you want to be exact) until they are nicely browned around the edges. Generally, it takes 20-25 minutes, but check after 15 minutes. 11. Once cooled, sprinkle powdered sugar on top just to cover them lightly. Why I make this recipe often These cookies are quick to make and you don’t need a mixer or special molds. They are good even after 2-3 days, so you can make them in advance if you have guests. They aren’t too sweet, which I like, and they are easy to pack for snacks or tea. Tips and variations Tips - If you want the cookies to be crunchier, leave them in the oven for a few extra minutes. - Don’t knead the dough too much, so it doesn’t become hard after baking. - You can use lard for a more delicate taste, but they also work well with butter. Substitutions - You can replace lard with butter without any issues. - Milk can be replaced with a plant-based alternative if you have an intolerance. - Nuts can also be replaced with ground peanuts or coconut if you prefer a different flavor or have allergies. Variations - If you want more colorful hedgehogs, you can use candied fruits instead of raisins for the eyes. - Instead of nuts, you can try almond flakes or even crushed cookies for the "spines". - For a lower sugar version, you can reduce the amount in the dough and add a bit of vanilla essence for flavor. Serving ideas - Hedgehog cookies look great on platters for birthdays or holidays. - They are also suitable as a snack at school for kids. - You can pack them in small bags as a dessert to take on the go. Frequently asked questions 1. Can I make the dough a day in advance? Yes, you can make the dough a day in advance and keep it in the fridge, covered. Let it warm up a bit at room temperature before shaping. 2. Can I use only butter, without lard? Yes, butter works very well and doesn’t change the final texture much. 3. Can the baked cookies be frozen? Yes, you can freeze them after they have completely cooled. When you want them, let them thaw at room temperature. 4. Can I use something else instead of nuts for decoration? You can also use peanuts, almonds, or coconut flakes, depending on what you have or prefer. 5. Can they be made without raisins? Yes, you can leave out the "eyes", or you can add small pieces of chocolate.

Hedgehog Cakes

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