These Crispy Butter Pastries with Meringue are a delightful treat that’s perfect for tea time or dessert. With a buttery, crumbly dough and a sweet, fluffy meringue filling, these pastries are both simple and quick to prepare. The combination of textures and flavors makes them irresistible, and they can be made in just under an hour. A dusting of powdered sugar adds the perfect finishing touch!
Preparation Time:
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Chill time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 25 minutes
- Total time: 55 minutes
- Servings: 25 small pastries
Ingredients:
- For the Dough:
- 2 egg yolks (reserve the whites for the meringue)
- 250g (2 cups) all-purpose flour
- Pinch of salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or vanillin
- 160g (⅔ cup) cold butter, cubed
- 100g (⅓ cup) sour cream
- For the Meringue:
- 2 egg whites
- Pinch of salt
- 100g (½ cup) sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or vanillin
- Optional:
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Directions:
- Prepare the dough:
- In a large bowl, add 250g of flour, a pinch of salt, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla or vanillin. Mix to combine.
- Add 160g of cold butter cubes to the flour mixture. Using your fingers or a pastry cutter, rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add 2 egg yolks and 100g of sour cream to the crumb mixture. Knead until a smooth dough forms.
- Divide the dough into 25 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a small ball.
- Refrigerate the dough balls for 10 minutes.
- Prepare the meringue:
- In a clean bowl, whisk 2 egg whites with a pinch of salt until soft peaks form.
- Gradually add 100g of sugar while continuing to whisk until stiff peaks form. Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla or vanillin and mix until incorporated.
- Shape the pastries:
- Take each chilled dough ball and flatten it into a small disc. Spoon a small amount of meringue in the center of each disc and fold over the edges to partially cover the meringue (refer to video or image for shaping).
- Bake the pastries:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Place the shaped pastries on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 25 minutes, or until the pastries are golden brown and the meringue is set.
- Finishing touches:
- Remove from the oven and let the pastries cool slightly. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.
- Serve:
- Serve the pastries warm or at room temperature with a cup of tea or coffee.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a side of whipped cream or ice cream.
- Pair with a hot cup of tea or coffee for an afternoon treat.
- Dust with cinnamon or cocoa powder instead of powdered sugar for a flavor twist.
- Serve with fresh berries or jam for extra sweetness.
- Enjoy as a sweet snack at breakfast or brunch.
Cooking Tips:
- Cold butter is key: Make sure your butter is cold when rubbing it into the flour to achieve a flaky, crumbly dough.
- Beat egg whites properly: Ensure the bowl is clean and free of any grease when whipping the egg whites to achieve stiff peaks.
- Work quickly: To prevent the dough from becoming too soft, work quickly when handling it and refrigerate as needed.
- Avoid overfilling: Be careful not to overfill the dough with meringue, as it may spill out during baking.
- Optional fillings: You can add a small piece of fruit, jam, or chocolate in the center of the meringue for extra flavor.
Nutritional Benefits:
- Eggs provide high-quality protein and essential vitamins.
- Butter offers fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, and E, while contributing to a rich flavor and texture.
- Meringue made with egg whites is light and low in calories, providing a sweet treat without being too heavy.
- Sour cream adds moisture and tang, while containing beneficial probiotics.
Dietary Information:
- Vegetarian: This recipe is suitable for vegetarians.
- Nut-free: This recipe contains no nuts and is safe for those with nut allergies.
- Gluten-free option: You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Dairy-free option: Use plant-based butter and dairy-free yogurt to make it dairy-free.
Nutritional Facts (per pastry, approx.):
- Calories: 150
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 7g
Storage:
- Room temperature: Store the pastries in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerator: These pastries can be refrigerated for up to 5 days in an airtight container.
- Freezer: Freeze the unbaked dough for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator and proceed with baking.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Quick and simple: Easy to prepare and doesn’t require any special equipment.
- Deliciously light: The combination of buttery dough and light meringue makes this pastry a melt-in-your-mouth treat.
- Perfect for tea time: Great for serving with a hot beverage during a cozy tea time.
- Customizable: You can add flavors like cinnamon, lemon zest, or chocolate to make it your own.
- Crowd-pleaser: These pastries are elegant enough to serve at gatherings and always leave a lasting impression.
Conclusion:
These Crispy Butter Pastries with Meringue are an ideal treat for those who enjoy light, delicate desserts with a balance of sweetness and texture. The buttery dough pairs perfectly with the fluffy meringue, creating a pastry that’s both satisfying and simple to make. Whether you’re serving them for a special occasion or just to enjoy with your afternoon tea, these pastries are sure to impress.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I make the dough in advance?
Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 2 days, or freeze it for up to 3 months. - Why did my meringue collapse?
Ensure the egg whites are whipped to stiff peaks and that no yolk or grease is in the bowl. Also, avoid overmixing the meringue when combining ingredients. - Can I add other flavors to the dough?
Yes! You can add a bit of cinnamon, lemon zest, or even almond extract to the dough for extra flavor. - Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, margarine can be used, but the flavor and texture might be slightly different. - Can I make larger pastries?
Absolutely! You can make fewer but larger pastries by dividing the dough into bigger portions. Adjust the baking time accordingly.