Apricot and cashew buttons

Heavenly Bites: Apricot and Cashew Cookies

If you're looking for a cookie recipe that combines the flavor of fruit with the crunch of cashews, you've come to the right place! These delightful bites with dried apricots and roasted cashews are perfect for an afternoon tea or to be enjoyed with loved ones.

Recipe History

Cookie recipes have a long history, rooted in cooking traditions from around the world. These sweets have often been associated with celebrations and moments of conviviality, serving as a perfect way to bring people together. Whether you choose to make them for a special occasion or simply to treat yourself, apricot and cashew cookies are an inspired choice!

Preparation Time and Servings

- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Preparation Time: 40 minutes
- Baking Time: 15 minutes
- Number of Servings: Approximately 24 cookies

Necessary Ingredients

- 226 g butter (ideally at room temperature)
- 150 g sugar
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated orange zest
- 4 tablespoons condensed milk
- 2 packets of vanilla sugar
- 320 g flour
- 100 g dried apricots (you can also use other dried fruits, as preferred)
- 70 g cashews (roasted and chopped)

Step by Step: Your Guide to Making Apricot and Cashew Cookies

1. Preparing the ingredients: Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature, especially the butter, for easier incorporation. Start by chopping the roasted cashews into small pieces and cutting the dried apricots into cubes.

2. Making the butter cream: In a large bowl, add the softened butter, sugar, and vanilla sugar. Using an electric mixer, beat the ingredients on medium speed until you get a fluffy and homogeneous cream, about 3-5 minutes. The cream should be slightly light in color and airy.

3. Adding flavors: Incorporate the orange zest into the butter cream, mixing well. This will add a fresh and aromatic note to your cookies.

4. Incorporating the dry ingredients: Add the chopped apricots and cashews to the bowl and gently mix with a spatula or wooden spoon. Gradually pour in the flour, alternating with the condensed milk. Mix gently until all ingredients are combined, being careful not to overwork the dough.

5. Forming the rolls: Divide the dough into two equal parts. On a clean surface, shape each part of the dough into a roll about 5 cm in diameter. Wrap each roll in parchment paper and chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour. This step is essential for achieving cookies with the perfect texture.

6. Preheating the oven: While the dough chills, preheat the oven to 180°C. Place a baking sheet with parchment paper on a flat surface.

7. Slicing and baking: Once the rolls have chilled, remove them from the refrigerator and slice them into pieces about 1 cm thick. Place the slices on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a small space between them, as they will expand during baking. Bake the cookies for 15 minutes or until they are slightly golden around the edges.

8. Cooling: After baking, let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack. This will allow the flavors to intensify and the texture to become crunchy.

Serving and Variations

Apricot and cashew cookies are delicious both plain and with a drizzle of chocolate glaze or dusted with powdered sugar. You can enjoy them alongside a cup of fragrant tea or freshly brewed coffee. Additionally, feel free to experiment with different combinations of dried fruits, such as cranberries, raisins, or even pineapple.

Practical Tips

- Buying ingredients: Choose high-quality dried apricots without added preservatives for a pure and natural taste. Roasted cashews can add a flavorful note, but if you prefer a milder taste, you can use raw cashews.
- Using condensed milk: This adds a subtle sweetness and creamy texture. If you don’t have condensed milk, you can substitute with a tablespoon of sour cream or Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
- Storing the cookies: You can keep them in an airtight container for up to a week, but they are so good that they might not last that long!

Nutritional Information

Each apricot and cashew cookie contains approximately 120 calories, making it a delicious yet not overly caloric snack. Cashews are rich in healthy fats and proteins, while apricots add essential vitamins like A and C, contributing to a healthy immune system.

We hope this recipe inspires you to start cooking! Don’t forget to share the joy of cooking with those around you. Perhaps you’ll choose to host a little cookie party, inviting your friends to taste your delights!