Delicious Turkish Şekerpare Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon orange blossom water 1 tablespoon orange blossom water
• 4 cups (500g) all-purpose flour 4 cups (500g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (240ml) water 1 cup (240ml) water
• 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
• Juice of 1 lemon Juice of 1 lemon
• Almonds or pistachios, for garnish Almonds or pistachios, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories: 180 kcal / 753 kJ
• Fat: 8g (5g saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 26g (16g sugars)
• Protein: 2g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. 2.
   In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. 3.
   Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and orange blossom water.
4. 4.
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.
5. 5.
   Take small portions of the dough and roll them into small balls, about the size of a walnut. Place the balls onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between them.
6. 6.
   Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the Şekerpare turn golden brown.
7. 7.
   While the Şekerpare are baking, prepare the syrup. In a saucepan, combine the water, sugar, and lemon juice. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
8. 8.
   Remove the Şekerpare from the oven and immediately pour the hot syrup over them. Allow the cookies to soak in the syrup for at least 1 hour before serving.
9. 9.
   Garnish each Şekerpare with an almond or pistachio on top.
10. 10.
    Serve at room temperature and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Orange blossom water — Use a good quality orange blossom water to ensure a fragrant and authentic flavor in the Şekerpare.
• Almonds or pistachios — Choose fresh and high-quality nuts for garnishing the Şekerpare. Toasting them lightly before use can enhance their flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• Make sure the butter is softened but not melted for the best texture of the dough.
• Allow the Şekerpare to cool completely before pouring the syrup over them to prevent them from becoming too soggy.
• For a variation, you can add a pinch of ground cinnamon or cardamom to the dough for an extra flavor dimension.
• Store the Şekerpare in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

Serving advice

Serve Şekerpare as a delightful sweet treat alongside a cup of Turkish tea or coffee. They are perfect for sharing with friends and family during festive occasions or as an after-dinner indulgence.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Şekerpare on a beautiful platter, garnished with almonds or pistachios, to showcase their golden color and elegant appearance. Dust them lightly with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.