Ah, Ezhiki, my dear friends! Also known as Hedgehog Cookies, these delightful little treats have a special place in my heart. I remember the first time I encountered them at my grandmother’s kitchen. The cozy aroma of freshly baked goodies mixed with the earthy scent of crushed nuts always filled the air. I can still picture her bustling around, reminding me to be patient while the cookies chilled in the fridge.
What makes Ezhiki cookies truly special isn’t just their adorable hedgehog appearance but their unique combination of flavors and textures. But don’t let their cute looks fool you; these cookies pack a delicious punch! Whether you’re having tea with friends or celebrating a special occasion, these cookies are bound to impress. Let’s dive into the fun of making these scrumptious bites!
What’s in Ezhiki – Hedgehog Cookies?
Unsalted Butter: The base of any great cookie! Softened butter creates a rich, creamy texture, blending beautifully with other ingredients.
Powdered Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps in creating that delightful melt-in-your-mouth quality that we all crave in cookies.
Vanilla Extract: The sweet aroma of vanilla elevates the flavor, giving these cookies that familiar, comforting taste.
All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of the dough, providing structure and balance. Make sure to sift it for a light texture!
Finely Crushed Walnuts or Hazelnuts: I personally love hazelnuts for that extra buttery flavor. They not only add taste but also a lovely crunch to the cookies.
Cocoa Powder: This is where things get exciting! Cocoa powder gives a subtle chocolate flavor and creates a gorgeous depth to the cookie’s colors.
Green and Pink Shredded Coconut: These vibrant colors are essential for the hedgehog look! Plus, they add a fun, tropical twist to each bite.
Condensed Milk: Optional but oh-so-delicious! A splash of this sweet goodness can take your cookies to the next level.
Pinch of Salt: A little salt always enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors, ensuring that your cookies are nothing short of perfection.
Is Ezhiki – Hedgehog Cookies Good for You?
Well, let’s be honest: these cookies are a delightful treat, so they’re not exactly health food! However, there are a few elements to appreciate:
Butter: While it’s high in fat, using unsalted butter allows for better control over the overall saltiness of the cookies.
Nuts: Packed with healthy fats and protein, the walnuts or hazelnuts bring some nutrition to this dessert. They also provide a satisfying crunch that complements the softness of the cookie.
Coconut: Shredded coconut is a source of healthy fats and provides fiber, giving you a little extra goodness with every bite.
Just remember, moderation is key! Enjoy these cookies as an occasional delight and share the sweetness with others!
Ingredients List
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup finely crushed walnuts or hazelnuts
– 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
– Green and pink shredded coconut (for coating)
– 1 cup condensed milk (optional for added sweetness)
– Pinch of salt
This recipe will yield roughly 24 delightful Ezhiki cookies. Perfect for sharing, or not!
How to Make Ezhiki – Hedgehog Cookies?
1. **Prepare the Dough**: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract and mix well.
2. **Combine Dry Ingredients**: In another bowl, sift the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Mix the crushed nuts into the dry ingredients.
3. **Mix Together**: Gradually add the dry mixture to the butter mixture, stirring until fully combined. If the dough feels too dry, you can mix in a tablespoon of condensed milk at a time until the desired consistency is achieved.
4. **Shape the Cookies**: With your hands, take small portions of dough and roll them into balls, roughly the size of a tablespoon.
5. **Coating**: Prepare two plates—one with green shredded coconut, and the other with pink shredded coconut. Roll half of the cookie balls in the green coconut and the other half in the pink coconut until fully coated.
6. **Chill**: Place the coated cookies on a tray, then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to help them set.
7. **Serve**: Once chilled, your Hedgehog Cookies are ready to serve! Enjoy them with a cup of tea or coffee, and watch them disappear in no time!
Cookie Tips and Variations to Consider!
– Think about getting creative with the coating! How about using chocolate sprinkles or crushed pistachios for a different look?
– Feel free to swap out the nuts for your favorite: almonds or pecans would work just as well!
– For a little extra flair, consider drizzling melted chocolate over the cookies for a decadent touch.
I hope you’re as excited as I am to make these adorable Hedgehog Cookies! They are sure to bring smiles and warm hearts with every bite. Do give them a try and let me know how it goes! Happy baking, my friends!
