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British, French, Irish or Swedish? The more I dig to find the origin of this lovely little cookie, the more variations I discover. Some are made with oats, others with almonds, and they are sometimes confused with Florentine Lace Cookies. Chocolate can be drizzled on top or smeared in the middle to make a sandwich cookie. Before I started making these cookies I thought they were a traditional English Christmas treat. So no matter what your argument, we can all agree these are a versatile, delicious, delicate, buttery treat that should be served whenever you want to mix them up! Given their hodge-podge heritage, they should be named the official Olympic cookie!
I had never made these before so it took a few minutes to get the hang of baking this unusual dough.
This recipe is very easy, simple and quick. The only time they seem at risk is when they’re over-baked. A burnt flavor can overpower the cookie and make it inedible.
I actually used three different cookie sheets to find the one that cooked the best. Each baking sheet required a completely different cooking time. Be sure to watch your first batch of cookies closely. When the edges are brown and bubbly but the center is still a little pale, remove the sheet from the oven and allow them to rest for at least 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool.
I may not know who made the first lace cookies, but I can tell why they are named lace cookies. They’re very delicate and full of holes!
I didn’t try forming these into shapes but will give that a try next time. While the cookies are still warm, wrap each around a wooden spoon handle to form a tube. Served with a creamy dessert such as ice cream, they make an elegant garnish.
Lace Cookies
Lace Cookies
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Course: Cookies, Dessert
Delicate and delicious!
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup light brown sugar
- ¼ cup light corn syrup
- Pinch of sea salt
- ¼ cup unbleached all-purpose flour
- ½ cup chopped blanched almonds
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- In a heavy bottom medium saucepan add the butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, corn syrup and salt. Heat on medium low until the butter is melted and the mixture is smooth, stirring occasionally. Remove from the heat and stir in the flour and almonds. The dough will be sticky.
- Scoop level teaspoons and drop on a parchment lined baking sheet. Make sure the cookie dough is about 5 inches apart, as they spread a lot. I recommend starting with 2 or 3 cookies per sheet to see how much they spread and how long it takes to bake them.
- Bake for 5-8 minutes or until they are browned around the edges and just starting to brown in the middle of the cookie. Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes or until set. Move the cookies to a wire rack and cool completely.
Recipe Notes
(adapted from a recipe by David Prince on realsimple.com)
Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate. When multiple ingredient alternatives are given, the first listed is calculated for nutrition. Garnishes and optional ingredients are not included.
Nutrition
Calories: 1327kcal | Carbohydrates: 205g | Protein: 17g | Fat: 56g | Saturated Fat: 17g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 9g | Monounsaturated Fat: 27g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 60mg | Sodium: 84mg | Potassium: 527mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 172g | Vitamin A: 705IU | Calcium: 216mg | Iron: 4mg
I was looking for a typical English cookie/dessert in honor of the Olympics. You know I might as well since we’re totally addicted to the event. There’s something about watching people reach their goals and obtain their dreams that inspires me! I may only add a half mile on the treadmill but I can dream too 🙂
My mom had a notebook she used as a journal of sorts. She didn’t have a lot in it but did have inspirational sayings and quotes taped here and there. There was one such clipping I saved and read from time to time. I thought you might like it too.
Thought for the Week (for all the amazing athletes competing to achieve their dreams!)
CAST OF CHARACTERS
“I won’t” is a tramp.
“I can’t” is a quitter.
“I don’t know” is lazy.
“I wish I could” is a wisher.
“I might” is waking up.
“I will try” is on his feet.
“I can” is on his way.
“I will” is at work.
“I did” is now the boss.
Have a wonderful Monday – thanks so much for stopping by!
Tricia
Barbara Rassmussen
Can you use regular butter instead of unsalted ?
Tricia Buice
Hi Barbara – yes you can used salted or unsalted butter in our recipes. Omit the salt in the recipe if using salted butter. No worries!
Anonymous
how many does this recipe yield?
Tricia Buice
Around 30 cookies. Hope you enjoy!
Angie's Recipes
oh my look at those paper-thin lace cookies! Fanfreakingtastic!
Mary
ooooooh, my goodness. These sound heavenly! I can not wait to try them.
Blond Duck
Those are so pretty!
Gerry @Foodness Gracious
It looks like you nailed these! I love lace cookies and dipped in chocolate is also a fav of mine 🙂
Kari Lindsay
These cookies are so pretty! You know I would have to fill them with chocolate, because that's just the kind of girl I am.
The Slow Roasted Italian
These are beautiful and I have a million ideas rattling around my head to use these! What a delightful creation!
Tricia
I know Donna – these could be such fun. I was thinking about making them a bit bigger and wrapping each cookie over an inverted muffin pan to make cups. Ice cream comes to mind but I think it would leak out the little holes! Guess you'd have to eat fast 🙂
The Café Sucré Farine
Tricia, these are gorgeous! I know I will HAVE to make them soon! They would be wonderful with frozen desserts like sorbets and gelato, YUM!
Chatty Crone
Not only do they look delicious they look so pretty. sandie
Tricia
Thanks Sandie! Hope all's well in Hot-lanta!
Sue/the view from great island
I made these a while back and used them to recreate Pepperidge Farm Brussels cookies, and they turned out to be one of my favorite all time cookies. They are so delicate and the texture is unlike any other cookie I've ever had. These photos are gorgeous!!!
Tricia
Check out Sue's beautiful Brussels Cookies which are a dead-on match to the Pepperidge Farm Cookies 🙂 Good one! <br /><br />http://theviewfromthegreatisland.blogspot.com/2012/04/brussels-cookies-just-for-fun.html
Tanna at The Brick Street Bungalow
Oh, I love to see people achieving their dreams, too, Tricia!! Did you see the Nike commercial about greatness? LOVE it!! Your mom's quote is a good one.<br /><br />These cookies look so delicate and beautiful! 🙂 My cookie monster self would love to inhale that gorgeous stack! hee hee. blessings ~ tanna
Tricia
I offered them to my son to take home last night and my husband jumped in to stop the carnage! They were well received by all! I just need someone to remove them from my kitchen so I won't eat them one by one.