Chilenitos con Merengue: A Sweet Delight from Chile
Chilenitos con merengue are a delightful treat that combine soft, flavorful cookies with a luscious filling of manjar (dulce de leche) and a light, fluffy meringue topping. Originating from the heart of Chile, these cookies are perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying as a special dessert. The combination of orange zest and juice adds a refreshing citrus twist that perfectly complements the sweetness of the manjar.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour (sifted) | 2 cups |
| Baking powder | ½ teaspoon |
| Orange zest | Zest of 1 orange |
| Fresh orange juice | 5 teaspoons |
| Egg yolks | 3 |
| Egg whites | 3 |
| Granulated sugar (for syrup) | ⅔ cup |
| Powdered sugar (sifted) | 6 tablespoons |
| Manjar (dulce de leche) | 1 cup |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 150 |
| Total Fat | 5 g |
| Saturated Fat | 2 g |
| Cholesterol | 55 mg |
| Sodium | 10 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 23 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0 g |
| Sugars | 12 g |
| Protein | 3 g |
Instructions
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Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C), ensuring it reaches the right temperature for baking your cookies to perfection.
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Prepare the Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine the sifted all-purpose flour, baking powder, orange zest, egg yolks, and fresh orange juice. Mix until all the ingredients are well combined and a smooth dough forms. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 2-3 mm thickness. Using a round cutter, cut out circles approximately 6 cm in diameter. Place the circles on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake in the preheated oven for about 5 minutes or until lightly golden.
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Make the Meringue: While the cookies are baking, whip the egg whites in a clean bowl until soft peaks form. In a small saucepan, combine the granulated sugar with a small amount of water to create a syrup. Heat over medium heat until the sugar dissolves and the mixture reaches a soft-ball stage. Gradually drizzle the hot syrup into the whipped egg whites while continuing to beat until the meringue is glossy and holds stiff peaks. Once cooled, gently fold in the sifted powdered sugar.
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Assemble the Cookies: Once the cookies have cooled, take two cookies and spread a generous layer of manjar between them to create a sandwich. Using a spatula or knife, spread the meringue over the top and sides of each sandwich, covering them completely.
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Final Baking: Place the assembled cookies on a clean baking sheet and return them to the oven for an additional 3 minutes at 350°F (180°C) to lightly toast the meringue.
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Serve: Allow the Chilenitos to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy these delightful treats with a cup of tea or coffee, or share them with friends and family for a taste of Chilean tradition.
These Chilenitos con merengue are not only visually appealing but also bursting with flavors that bring a taste of Chile right to your kitchen. Perfect for any occasion, they are sure to impress and satisfy any sweet tooth!
