Crispy Amarena Treats Recipe
Introduction: Amarena cherries, known for their rich, tangy sweetness, are a favorite in Italian desserts. Their intense flavor pairs beautifully with a range of textures, making them a versatile ingredient in both simple and complex recipes. Today, we’ll explore a delightful way to enjoy them: Crispy Amarena Treats. These treats are a fusion of sweet and crunchy, combining the lusciousness of Amarena cherries with the satisfying bite of a crispy exterior. Perfect for an afternoon snack, dessert, or even a unique gift, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup Amarena cherries (drained)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup cold butter, cubed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons milk (optional)
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Amarena Cherries: Begin by draining the Amarena cherries well. Pat them dry with a paper towel to remove any excess syrup. This step is crucial to ensure that your treats remain crispy. If the cherries are too moist, they can make the dough soggy.
2. Make the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt. Whisk these dry ingredients together until they are evenly distributed.
Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. The key here is to keep the butter cold, as it will help create a flaky texture in the final product.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Pour this mixture into the flour and butter mixture. Gently mix until a dough forms. If the dough feels too dry, you can add up to two tablespoons of milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together.
3. Incorporate the Amarena Cherries: Carefully fold the Amarena cherries into the dough, ensuring that they are evenly distributed. Be gentle to avoid crushing the cherries, as you want to maintain their shape and burst of flavor.
4. Shape and Chill: Divide the dough into small portions, about a tablespoon each, and roll them into balls. Place the dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving some space between each one. Flatten each ball slightly with your fingers.
Once all the dough is shaped, cover the baking sheet with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough helps prevent the treats from spreading too much during baking and enhances their crispy texture.
5. Bake to Perfection: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the baking sheet from the refrigerator and bake the treats for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. The centers should still be slightly soft when you remove them from the oven. Allow the treats to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
6. Final Touch: Once the Crispy Amarena Treats are completely cooled, dust them lightly with powdered sugar for an elegant finish. The contrast of the sweet coating with the tart cherries inside is simply irresistible.
Serving Suggestions: These treats are perfect on their own, but you can also serve them alongside a cup of espresso or tea. For an extra indulgent experience, pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Conclusion: Crispy Amarena Treats offer a delightful combination of textures and flavors. The buttery, crispy exterior gives way to a chewy center bursting with the tart sweetness of Amarena cherries. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply treat yourself, these little delights are sure to satisfy. Plus, they store well, making them a great make-ahead option for any occasion. Enjoy!
