Russian hats or Cossack cap

Russian caps or Cossack hats - a delicacy that combines sweetness with a soft and fluffy texture. These pastries are not just a dessert, but also a delicious story rooted in culinary traditions. Whether you prepare them for a special occasion or simply want to indulge, this recipe will bring you joy and satisfaction.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Number of servings: Approximately 20 pastries

Necessary ingredients:

For the base:
- 6 eggs
- 6 tablespoons water
- 6 tablespoons oil
- 6 tablespoons sugar
- 12 tablespoons flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder

For the cream:
- 400 ml milk
- 1 packet of vanilla pudding
- 100 g butter (at room temperature)
- 150 g powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla essence

For decoration:
- 200 g coconut
- 150 g dark chocolate
- 2-3 tablespoons milk

Preparing these pastries is simple, but requires a bit of patience and attention to detail. Follow the steps below, and you will achieve a result worthy of the most appreciated pastry shops.

Step 1: Preparing the base
Start by separating the egg whites from the yolks. In a large bowl, add the egg whites and the 6 tablespoons of water, then beat them with an electric mixer until frothy. Add the sugar, one tablespoon at a time, continuing to mix until the mixture becomes glossy and firm. This is the perfect base for an airy cake.

Step 2: In the meantime, add the yolks and oil. Mix everything for a few more minutes until the ingredients are well integrated. In another bowl, sift the flour together with the baking powder. Gradually incorporate the flour mixture into the egg mixture, gently folding with a spatula to retain the air in the egg whites and achieve a fluffy base.

Step 3: Baking the base
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Line a large baking tray with parchment paper and pour in the batter. Smooth the surface with a spatula and place the tray in the oven. Bake for 15 minutes or until the base turns golden and passes the toothpick test. Once baked, remove the base from the oven and let it cool completely.

Step 4: Preparing the cream
In a saucepan, bring 400 ml of milk to a boil. Add the packet of vanilla pudding, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Boil according to the package instructions, then let the pudding cool. In another bowl, beat the butter with the powdered sugar until fluffy. Add the vanilla essence and the cooled pudding, mixing until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Assembling the pastries
Once the base is completely cooled, cut out round shapes with a diameter of about 5 cm. Stick two circles of the base together with a generous portion of cream in between. Then, cover each pastry with a thin layer of cream before rolling them in coconut. This will give them a crunchy texture and a delicate coconut flavor.

Step 6: Decorating
To give them a special appearance, melt the dark chocolate together with 2-3 tablespoons of milk, stirring continuously until smooth. Use a pastry bag or a spoon to decorate the pastries with the melted chocolate. Let them cool slightly so that the chocolate hardens.

Serving and variations
These pastries are excellent served alongside a cup of tea or coffee, but they can also be a wonderful dessert for a party or special occasion. If you want to experiment, try adding flavors like orange or almonds to the pudding cream for a different taste. You can also use white chocolate for decoration, giving them a sweeter touch.

Nutritional benefits
These Russian caps are a source of energy due to the content of eggs and sugar, while coconut adds extra fiber and healthy fats. If you want to reduce calories, you can replace part of the sugar with natural sweeteners.

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use another type of flour?
Yes, you can experiment with whole wheat or gluten-free flour, but the texture may vary.
2. How can I store the pastries?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. For a longer duration, you can freeze them.

I hope you enjoy every bite of these Russian caps! Cooking is an art, and you are the artists who transform simple ingredients into unforgettable moments. Bon appétit!