At Christmas time, the air in Poland fills with the scent of homemade baked goods, with sweet treats playing a central role in festive celebrations. One delightful dessert that captures the essence of the holiday season is Makaroniki Poppy Seed Macarons. These petite, almond-flour-based cookies with a poppy seed filling offer a perfect combination of flavors and textures, making them a cherished addition to any holiday spread. Let’s dive into this traditional Polish recipe that will surely be a hit this holiday season.
**Makaroniki Poppy Seed Macarons**
*Ingredients:*
– 1 cup almond flour
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 2 large egg whites, room temperature
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup ground poppy seeds
– 1/4 cup milk
– 1/4 cup honey
– 1/2 tsp lemon zest
– Pinch of salt
*Instructions:*
1. **Prepare the Macaron Shells:**
– Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
– In a food processor, pulse the almond flour and powdered sugar together until finely ground. Sift the mixture into a large bowl, discarding any large pieces that remain in the sifter.
2. **Whip the Meringue:**
– In a clean, dry mixing bowl, beat the egg whites on medium speed until soft peaks form. Gradually add the granulated sugar while continuing to beat until stiff, glossy peaks form. Stir in the vanilla extract.
3. **Macaronage & Pipe:**
– Gently fold the almond flour mixture into the meringue in three additions until the batter falls off the spatula in a ribbon and slowly incorporates back into the batter. Be careful not to overmix.
– Transfer the batter to a piping bag fitted with a round tip. Pipe small rounds onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
4. **Bake & Cool:**
– Tap the baking sheet on the counter a few times to release any air bubbles. Bake the macaron shells in the preheated oven for about 15-18 minutes until set. Let them cool completely on the baking sheet before carefully peeling them off.
5. **Prepare the Poppy Seed Filling:**
– In a small saucepan, combine the ground poppy seeds, milk, honey, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens to a spreadable consistency. Let it cool completely.
6. **Assemble the Macarons:**
– Pair up the macaron shells by size. Spread a small amount of the poppy seed filling on the flat side of one shell and sandwich it with another shell of similar size.
– Chill the assembled macarons in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours to allow the flavors to meld together before serving.
Serve these delightful Makaroniki Poppy Seed Macarons on a festive platter, and watch as your guests delight in the flavors of almond and poppy seed with each bite. These charming cookies are not only visually appealing but also a delicious addition to any holiday gathering. Perfect for gifting or indulging in yourself, these Polish treats will surely bring warmth and joy to your Christmas celebrations. Enjoy the tradition and warmth of this classic recipe this holiday season!
