Do you have a sweet tooth but are tired of the same old desserts? Look no further than Welsh Cakes - a delicious and unique cookie that cooks on the stove like a pancake.
These small, circular cakes have been a beloved staple in Wales for generations, and are gaining popularity around the world.
And the best part? They are incredibly simple to make!
Isn't it amazing how you can combine the same basic ingredients with a change to the ratios, or the cooking method, or an addition here and there and you end up with a wide variety of cookies.
These Welsh Cakes start with the basics: flour, sugar, butter, baking powder and eggs. Then mix in some currants, roll and cut them in circles.
Instead of popping them in the oven like any other cookie, these are cooked on a griddle until brown and crispy.
Trust us - the result is nothing short of fabulous!
Substitutes for Currants
Since this recipe is Welsh, I would assume traditionally dried black currants (family: Grossulariaceae, genus: ribis) would be used. They are not easy to find in the United States, or are prohibitively expensive.
Zante currants can sometimes be found, but these are actually Corinth grapes, Vitis vinifera, not true currants.
So, what should you use instead? Suitable replacements include zante currants, raisins, dried cranberries or dried cherries.
I went with cranberries for the tanginess similar to blackcurrants, and because of the red color that perfectly complements the Christmas season.
Christmas Cookies Week
Jolene from Jolene's Recipe Journal loves Christmas Cookies as much as I do. She has gathered up a fabulous group of bloggers to celebrate Christmas Cookies Week.
Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup butter
- ¾ cup sugar
- ¾ tab dried cranberries (or raisins)
- 1 large egg
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder and salt. Rub in butter. Mix in sugar and dried cranberries.
- Mix in egg to form a soft dough.
- Roll out the dough on a floured board to ¼ inch thickness. Cut with cookie or biscuit cutters.
- Heat a griddle or frying pan over low heat. Cook cookies until lightly browned on both sides. Move to a plate to cool.
Sound fabulous? Share it!
More Christmas Cookies
Colleen - Faith, Hope, Love, & Luck
Oh, I like this recipe. Perfect for those people who either don't have an oven or just don't feel like using it. These look delicious!
Christie
These are so unique and different! And having ancestors from that area, I'm always about making some traditional recipes my ancestors would make. I found currents the other day so I bought TWO bags!
Thomas BeBroker
Hey, loved the simplicity and history behind these Welsh Cakes! They're a refreshing twist on regular cookies, especially since they're made on a stovetop. I'm curious, though: given how the cost of ingredients can vary, how affordable is it to make these in different parts of the world? Do the prices of substitutes for currants affect the overall affordability significantly? Thanks for sharing this delightful recipe!
Audrey
Prices will always vary by region, season, availability, as well as due to other natural and, dare I say it, even political reasons.