Brazil Cookies
Delightful Brazilian cookies featuring crunchy chopped Brazil nuts and a sweet currant jelly center, perfect for festive occasions or a special treat with coffee.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream the butter until smooth.
- Gradually add sugar and beat thoroughly until light and fluffy.
- Blend in the vanilla.
- Add the egg yolk and beat well.
- Sift in the flour and salt, mixing until thoroughly blended.
- Shape the dough into 3/4-inch diameter balls.
- Dip each ball in unbeaten egg whites, then roll lightly in chopped Brazil nuts.
- Place on an ungreased cookie sheet.
- Make a small depression in each ball with the tip of a teaspoon.
- Bake at 375°F for about 15 minutes, or until delicately browned.
- Remove from baking sheet immediately.
- Fill each depression with about half a teaspoon of bright red currant jelly.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough. You can substitute the Brazil nuts with chopped pecans or walnuts if desired. Ensure the butter is at room temperature for easier creaming. If you want a sweeter touch, you can drizzle some melted chocolate over the cooled cookies after baking.
Serving Suggestions
These Brazil Cookies are delightful on their own but can be served alongside a cup of tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon treat. They also pair beautifully with a light fruit salad, such as Banana Fruit Salad With Sauce. For a festive touch, serve them on a platter during gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. Just make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Thaw at room temperature before serving to maintain their texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Brazil Cookies contains roughly 77 calories, with 1g protein, 4g carbohydrates, and 6g fat.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of nut?
Yes, you can use other nuts like pecans or walnuts if you prefer. Keep in mind that different nuts will change the flavor profile slightly, so choose one that complements your taste.
What can I substitute for currant jelly?
If you don’t have currant jelly, raspberry or cherry preserves work well as alternatives. They will still provide a nice sweet and tangy contrast to the cookies.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough, shape it into balls, and freeze them. When you're ready to bake, simply thaw them in the refrigerator and then proceed with dipping in egg whites and rolling in nuts.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).