| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 10 mins – 12 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 315 | 13g | 7g | 45g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 20g | 2g | 4g | 0.2g |
I’m absolutely thrilled to share with you the Aniseed Myrtle Cookies recipe, a vibrant twist on my Southern upbringing. These flavour-packed cookies, with a delightful combination of aromatic aniseed myrtle and succulent dried fruit, are nothing short of a culinary journey. They are a wonderful combination of the traditional and the exotic, reminding me of the diverse influences that have shaped our Southern cuisine.
The Southern Connection
These Aniseed Myrtle Cookies are reminiscent of the traditional Southern cookies I grew up with. While the classic recipes of my Charleston roots typically rely on simple, wholesome ingredients, I believe it’s the spirit of adventure and willingness to try new things that truly defines Southern cooking. The fruity prowess in this recipe pays homage to the classic Southern fruit-based desserts, while the aniseed myrtle throws in an unexpected twist, much like the thrilling surf rides on the South Carolina coast that I so enjoy.
Health on a Plate
While these cookies deliver a wallop of flavor, they also pack a beneficial punch. Aniseed myrtle, the standout ingredient, has been esteemed as a potent source of antioxidants and is believed to have impressive anti-inflammatory properties. Furthermore, these cookies are speckled with dried mixed fruit, adding a corresponding layer of healthy fiber and crucial vitamins.
As a baking enthusiast, I am always thrilled when a delicious recipe also aligns with healthy eating habits. Aniseed Myrtle Cookiesare not just a sweet treat, they are meagerly filled with natural beneficial ingredients.
Perfect Pairings
These cookies are quite versatile. Enjoy them with a robust cup of Southern Sweet Tea, making it a sublime afternoon treat. You could also serve them as a delightful dessert companion to Fried Chicken or a piping hot bowl of shrimp and grits, enriching the meal with their sweet, refreshing essence.
Conclusively, the Aniseed Myrtle Cookies are a charmingly unique medley of flavors, taking one on a tantalizing gastronomic expedition. With each bite, they celebrate the Southern tradition while presenting a sprinkle of the unknown.
What You’ll Need
- 1.5 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup of white sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoons of vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon of grated lemon zest
- 1.5 teaspoons of Aniseed Myrtle
- 1/2 cup of dried mixed fruit
Method
Step One
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit or 190 degrees Celsius. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Set this prepared sheet aside for now.
Step Two
Whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and crushed aniseed myrtle in a bowl. Ensure that the ingredients are well combined and then set aside.
Step Three
In a separate bowl, beat together the softened unsalted butter and white sugar until it becomes light and fluffy. You can use an electric mixer for this to make the job easier.
Step Four
Into the butter and sugar mixture, add the egg, vanilla extract, and grated lemon zest. Beat these in until they are well incorporated.
Step Five
Slowly add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet one. Mix these together until it just combines. Remember not to overmix as it can result in a tougher cookie.
Step Six
Lastly, fold in the dried mixed fruit into your cookie dough. Be gentle so as not to deflate the beautiful air bubbles that make your cookie rise and be soft.
Step Seven
Using a small scoop or a rounded tablespoon, portion out the cookie dough onto your prepared baking sheet. Leave some space in between each cookie as they will grow when baked.
Step Eight
Bake your cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges start to turn golden brown. Once done, remove from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. After this, transfer the cookies to a wire rack to finish cooling. Once cooled, you can serve and enjoy your homemade Aniseed Myrtle Cookies.
