During the festive Christmas season, treating your loved ones to delicious homemade baked goods is a wonderful way to spread holiday cheer. One classic British treat that always delights taste buds is the beloved Eccles Cakes. Originally hailing from the town of Eccles in the United Kingdom, these flaky pastries are filled with a delectable mixture of spiced currants and encased in a buttery, golden pastry. Perfect for serving with a cup of tea or as a sweet addition to your holiday dessert spread, Eccles Cakes are a must-try recipe for any home baker looking to impress guests with a taste of traditional British baking.
Eccles Cakes
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
– 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
– 1/4 cup of cold water
– 1/2 cup of caster sugar
– 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
– 1 cup of currants
– 1 egg, beaten, for glazing
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and chilled butter. Using your fingertips, rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
2. Gradually add the cold water to the flour mixture, stirring with a butter knife until the dough begins to come together. Use your hands to gently knead the dough a few times in the bowl until it forms a smooth ball. Be careful not to overwork the dough.
3. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow it to rest and firm up.
4. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
5. In a small bowl, combine the caster sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.
6. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a large rectangle about 1/4 inch thick. Using a round cookie cutter or a glass, cut out circles from the dough, re-rolling any scraps as needed.
7. Place a spoonful of currants in the center of each dough circle, then sprinkle the sugar and spice mixture over the currants.
8. Moisten the edges of the dough circles with a little water, then fold the sides of the dough over the currant filling to enclose it completely, forming a small round parcel. Press the edges together to seal.
9. Place the filled pastry parcels seam side down on the prepared baking sheet. Using a sharp knife, make two or three small slits on the top of each cake to allow steam to escape during baking.
10. Brush the tops of the Eccles Cakes with beaten egg to give them a golden finish.
11. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the cakes are golden brown and crisp.
12. Remove the Eccles Cakes from the oven and transfer them to a wire rack to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature with a cup of your favorite festive drink.
Eccles Cakes are a delightful treat that brings a taste of British tradition to your Christmas baking repertoire. The warm spices, sweet currants, and flaky pastry come together to create a perfect balance of flavors and textures that are sure to impress your family and friends. Whether enjoyed as a festive snack or a sweet ending to a holiday meal, these homemade Eccles Cakes are a delicious way to infuse your home with the joy of the season. So, roll up your sleeves, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake up a batch of these tempting treats that embody the spirit of Christmas in every bite.
