Dutch Letters Recipe
🕒 Total Time: 24 hours 30 minutes
🥄 Servings: 14
🥘 Cuisine: European
🍪 Category: Dessert
Description:
These Dutch Letters are a delightful fusion of pastry and cookie, boasting a flaky, buttery texture and a rich almond flavor. They are an irresistible treat that disappears quickly, making them perfect for gatherings or a cozy weeknight indulgence. While they may require a bit of time to prepare, the end result is well worth the effort. Prepare to be amazed by their wonderful taste and texture!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup butter
- 4 cups Wondra Flour
- 1 tablespoon water
- 2 cups almond paste
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 3 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 egg white (for brushing)
- Sugar (for sprinkling)
Instructions:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Prepare the Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine the butter and Wondra Flour until well mixed. Stir in the water until a dough forms. Cover the dough and chill it in the refrigerator overnight. |
| 2 | Prepare the Filling: Beat the almond paste until smooth. Add in the eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined. Cover and chill the filling overnight. |
| 3 | Assembly: Divide both the dough and filling into 14 equal parts. Roll out one piece of dough into a 14×4&1/2-inch strip. Spread one part of the almond filling down the center of the dough strip. |
| 4 | Shape the Letters: Fold one side of the dough over the filling, followed by the other side, and pinch the seam shut from end to end. Shape the filled dough into an “S” shape and place it on a greased cookie sheet, seam side down. |
| 5 | Finish and Bake: Brush the tops of the Dutch Letters with beaten egg white and sprinkle them with sugar. Using a fork, prick the surface every 2 inches to allow steam to escape during baking. Repeat this process with the remaining dough and filling. |
| 6 | Bake: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the Dutch Letters for 30 minutes or until they are golden brown and flaky. |
| 7 | Serve or Store: Allow the Dutch Letters to cool slightly before serving. Alternatively, you can freeze them either before or after baking for future enjoyment. Enjoy these delightful treats with a cup of coffee or tea for a truly indulgent experience. |
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 510.7
- Fat: 36.4g
- Saturated Fat: 17.8g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
- Sodium: 212.9mg
- Carbohydrates: 44.2g
- Fiber: 1.6g
- Sugar: 40.5g
- Protein: 5.1g
Tips:
- For a richer flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of ground cinnamon or nutmeg to the almond filling.
- Ensure that the Dutch Letters are sealed tightly to prevent the filling from leaking during baking.
- These treats are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Serve alongside a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat. Enjoy!
