ROMANY CREAMS

Here’s a detailed guide to making Romany Creams, a beloved chocolate coconut sandwich cookie that’s a favorite in South Africa and has gained admirers worldwide.

Introduction

Romany Creams hold a special place in many hearts, especially those from South Africa. They are not just cookies; they are a nostalgic trip to afternoon teas and cozy gatherings. Originating as a luxurious treat, these cookies combine the irresistible flavors of chocolate and coconut, making them a perfect companion for a cup of rooibos tea or as a festive treat.

Ingredients

• Unsalted Butter: 1½ cups
• Granulated Sugar: 1 cup
• Egg: 1 large
• Vegetable Oil: ¼ cup
• Vanilla Extract: ½ teaspoon
• All-Purpose Flour: 3 cups
• Baking Powder: 1 teaspoon
• Powdered Sugar: 3 tablespoons
• Natural Cocoa Powder: ½ cup
• Dutched Cocoa Powder: ¼ cup
• Desiccated Coconut: 1½ cups, pulsed in a food processor for a finer texture
• Milk Chocolate Chips: 6 oz, for sandwiching the cookies

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350℉ (175℃).
2. Cream Butter and Sugar: Using an electric mixer, beat the butter and sugar until creamy.
3. Add Wet Ingredients: Incorporate the egg, oil, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together flour, both cocoa powders, baking powder, and powdered sugar.
5. Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and beat until just combined. Stir in the desiccated coconut until a soft dough forms.
6. Prepare Dough for Baking: Roll out the dough between sheets of plastic wrap to avoid adding extra flour, aiming for about ¼ inch thickness. Use a fork to texture the surface.
7. Shape Cookies: Cut out cookies using an oval cookie cutter and place on a greased or lined baking sheet.
8. Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 15-17 minutes.
9. Cool and Sandwich: Allow cookies to cool before sandwiching them with melted milk chocolate. Let the chocolate set before serving.

Conclusion

Romany Creams are more than just a cookie—they are a cherished tradition for many. Making them at home can bring a piece of South African hospitality into your kitchen and offer a delightful treat that’s both comforting and exotic. Whether served at a holiday gathering or enjoyed with a daily cup of tea, these cookies promise to delight with their rich flavors and satisfying texture.

These homemade Romany Creams not only recapture the classic treat many remember from their childhoods but also allow for personal touches, making the baking experience both fun and memorable.

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