Ballokume Elbasani - American Twist

Ingredients

In this American adaptation of Ballokume Elbasani, we have added cinnamon and maple syrup to infuse the traditional Albanian flavors with a touch of American sweetness. The original recipe typically uses honey as the sweetener, but we have incorporated maple syrup to give it a unique twist. Additionally, the American version may have a slightly softer texture compared to the traditional Albanian version. We alse have the original recipe for Ballokume Elbasani, so you can check it out.

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1/4 cup (60ml) maple syrup 1/4 cup (60ml) maple syrup
• 1/4 cup (60ml) milk 1/4 cup (60ml) milk
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup (60g) chopped almonds 1/2 cup (60g) chopped almonds
• Powdered sugar, for dusting Powdered sugar, for dusting

Nutrition

• Calories: 120 kcal / 502 KJ
• Fat: 5g (2g saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 17g (10g sugars)
• Protein: 2g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. 2.
   In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. 3.
   Add the maple syrup and milk to the butter mixture and mix until well combined.
4. 4.
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon.
5. 5.
   Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
6. 6.
   Fold in the chopped almonds until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
7. 7.
   Take small portions of the dough and shape them into balls or flatten them into discs.
8. 8.
   Place the shaped dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each piece.
9. 9.
   Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the Ballokume Elbasani are golden brown.
10. 10.
    Remove from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack.
11. 11.
    Once cooled, dust the Ballokume Elbasani with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.
12. 12.
    Serve and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Almonds — Make sure to chop the almonds into small pieces to ensure even distribution throughout the dough.

Tips & Tricks

• For a more pronounced cinnamon flavor, you can increase the amount of ground cinnamon in the recipe.
• If you prefer a crunchier texture, you can toast the chopped almonds before adding them to the dough.
• These Ballokume Elbasani can be stored in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Serving advice

Serve the Ballokume Elbasani as a delightful dessert alongside a cup of coffee or tea. They can also be enjoyed as a sweet snack throughout the day.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Ballokume Elbasani on a serving platter and dust them generously with powdered sugar for an elegant and inviting presentation. You can also place them in decorative cupcake liners for a charming touch.