Maids of Honor Cookies: A Delightful Dessert Inspired by History
These delightful filled cookies, known as Maids of Honor, have a rich history and an enticing flavor profile that is sure to please any palate. Legend has it that these treats were named after the ladies-in-waiting to an English queen, and it is said that they were a particular favorite of Anne Boleyn. With a creamy almond filling, a hint of sweetness from the jam, and a tender cookie crust, these delightful bites offer a touch of royal indulgence right from your own kitchen. This recipe, inspired by traditional British fare, is perfect for gatherings or simply for enjoying a historical treat at home.
Recipe Overview
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Servings: 24 cookies
- Recipe Category: Dessert
- Keywords: Cookie & Brownie, < 60 Mins, For Large Groups, Oven
Nutritional Information
| Nutritional Component | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 103.4 kcal |
| Total Fat | 5 g |
| Saturated Fat | 2.1 g |
| Cholesterol | 25.6 mg |
| Sodium | 28.3 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 13.1 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.5 g |
| Sugars | 7.9 g |
| Protein | 1.9 g |
Ingredients
To create these delightful Maids of Honor cookies, gather the following ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 1 cup | All-purpose flour |
| 1 tbsp | Granulated sugar |
| 1/4 cup | Butter (cold) |
| 2 tbsp | Milk (cold) |
| 2 tbsp | Butter (softened) |
| 3/4 cup | Granulated sugar |
| 1 tbsp | All-purpose flour |
| 1/4 tsp | Ground nutmeg |
| 2 | Eggs |
| 1/4 cup | Cream sherry |
| 1/4 cup | Brandy |
| 1/4 cup | Jam (your choice, for filling) |
| 1/4 cup | Ground almonds (optional) |
Instructions
The process of making Maids of Honor cookies involves a few simple yet rewarding steps that will lead you to create these charming treats. Here’s how to prepare them:
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Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that your cookies bake evenly and achieve that perfect golden-brown finish.
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Prepare the Muffin Tins: You will need ungreased mini-muffin tins to create 24 cookies. Make sure they are clean and ready for use.
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Make the Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour with 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, cut in 1/4 cup of cold butter until the mixture resembles small crumbs, ensuring that the butter is well incorporated into the flour.
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Moisten the Dough: Sprinkle the milk, one tablespoon at a time, over the crumb mixture. Mix gently after each addition until the dough is moistened enough to be formed into a ball.
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Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to approximately 1/8 inch in thickness. Using a cookie cutter, cut out circles that are about 2 to 3 inches in diameter.
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Form the Cookie Cups: Press the circles into the bottom and up the sides of the ungreased mini-muffin cups, creating a small cup shape that will hold the filling.
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Prepare the Filling: In a medium mixing bowl, cream together 2 tablespoons of softened butter, 3/4 cup of granulated sugar, and 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour until smooth.
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Add the Eggs and Flavorings: Beat in the eggs, followed by the cream sherry and brandy. If you wish, you can also incorporate 1/4 cup of ground almonds for added flavor and texture.
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Fill the Cups: Spoon 1/4 teaspoon of your chosen jam into the bottom of each lined cookie cup, creating a delightful layer of sweetness. Top each with approximately 1 tablespoon of the almond mixture, spreading it evenly over the jam.
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Bake: Place the filled muffin tins into the preheated oven and bake for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until the tops of the cookies are lightly browned and the filling is set.
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Cool and Serve: Once baked, allow the cookies to cool in the tins for a few minutes before gently removing them and placing them on wire racks to cool completely. Enjoy these cookies warm or at room temperature as a delightful treat or dessert.
Conclusion
With their historical charm and delightful flavor, these Maids of Honor cookies are sure to impress anyone who tastes them. The combination of the buttery cookie crust, sweet jam, and creamy almond filling creates a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that are simply irresistible. Whether you’re hosting a gathering, celebrating a special occasion, or indulging in a delicious dessert, this recipe is bound to become a cherished favorite. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and enjoy a taste of history with these delightful cookies from the heart of England.
