Apulian Casadinhos

Ingredients

In the original Brazilian Casadinhos, the cookies are typically made with a combination of cornstarch and wheat flour, resulting in a light and crumbly texture. However, in the Apulian adaptation, we will be using a mixture of all-purpose flour and almond flour to infuse the cookies with a delicate almond flavor. Additionally, the filling in the original recipe is often made with dulce de leche or guava paste, but in the Apulian version, we will be using a creamy almond filling to complement the almond-flavored cookies. We alse have the original recipe for Casadinhos, so you can check it out.

• 200g (1 ⅔ cups) all-purpose flour 200g (1 ⅔ cups) all-purpose flour
• 50g (½ cup) almond flour 50g (½ cup) almond flour
• 150g (⅔ cup) unsalted butter, softened 150g (⅔ cup) unsalted butter, softened
• 100g (½ cup) granulated sugar 100g (½ cup) granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 egg yolk 1 egg yolk
• ½ teaspoon baking powder ½ teaspoon baking powder
• Pinch of salt Pinch of salt
• For the almond cream filling: For the almond cream filling:
• 100g (¾ cup) powdered sugar 100g (¾ cup) powdered sugar
• 100g (1 cup) almond flour 100g (1 cup) almond flour
• 100g (½ cup) unsalted butter, softened 100g (½ cup) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon almond extract 1 teaspoon almond extract

Nutrition

• Calories: 180 kcal / 753 kJ
• Fat: 12g (total), 6g (saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 16g (total), 8g (sugars)
• Protein: 3g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, almond flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
2. 2.
   In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. 3.
   Add the egg yolk and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and mix until well combined.
4. 4.
   Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture and mix until a soft dough forms.
5. 5.
   Divide the dough into two equal portions and shape each portion into a log. Wrap the logs in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
6. 6.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
7. 7.
   Remove the dough logs from the refrigerator and slice them into ½-inch thick rounds.
8. 8.
   Place the cookie rounds on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
9. 9.
   Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack.
10. 10.
    Meanwhile, prepare the almond cream filling by combining the powdered sugar, almond flour, softened butter, and almond extract in a bowl. Mix until smooth and creamy.
11. 11.
    Once the cookies have cooled, spread a generous amount of the almond cream filling on the bottom side of one cookie and sandwich it with another cookie.
12. 12.
    Repeat with the remaining cookies and filling.
13. 13.
    Serve the Apulian Casadinhos as a delightful treat with a cup of espresso or as a sweet ending to a meal.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Almond flour — Make sure to use finely ground almond flour for a smooth texture in the cookies and filling.
• Butter — Soften the butter at room temperature before creaming it with the sugar to ensure a smooth and fluffy texture.

Tips & Tricks

• For a more pronounced almond flavor, you can add a few drops of almond extract to the cookie dough.
• If you prefer a sweeter filling, you can add a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup to the almond cream.
• To make the cookies extra festive, you can sprinkle them with powdered sugar or decorate them with sliced almonds before baking.
• If you don't have almond flour, you can substitute it with an equal amount of finely ground almonds.

Serving advice

Serve the Apulian Casadinhos on a platter or in a decorative cookie tin. They are perfect for sharing with friends and family or as a special treat for yourself.

Presentation advice

Arrange the sandwich cookies neatly on a serving platter, with the almond cream filling peeking out between the cookie layers. Dust them with a sprinkle of powdered sugar for an elegant touch.