Homemade Custard Cream Cookies
These delicate, golden-hued custard cream cookies combine buttery richness with intricate floral designs, creating an impressive yet achievable treat perfect for special occasions or afternoon tea. The beautifully embossed tops and scalloped edges make these cookies as much a feast for the eyes as they are for the taste buds.
There’s something magical about cookies that don’t just taste wonderful but tell a story through their design. These custard cream cookies, with their precisely embossed floral patterns and perfectly scalloped edges, remind me of the delicate china patterns my grandmother cherished. Each cookie is like a small work of art, created not just to satisfy hunger but to bring beauty to our everyday moments.
We’ve always believed that the best recipes are those that bring a touch of elegance to simple ingredients. These cookies do exactly that – transforming basic pantry staples into something extraordinary. The secret lies in the custard powder, which adds a rich vanilla flavor and that signature melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes these cookies so irresistible. Whether you’re hosting an afternoon tea or simply wanting to make your coffee break a little more special, these cookies never fail to delight both in presentation and taste.
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup custard powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon alcohol free vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
Instructions
- Preparation (15 minutes)
- Line baking sheets with parchment paper
- Sift together flour, custard powder, and baking powder
- Bring butter to room temperature
- Have eggs at room temperature for better incorporation
- Making the Dough (15 minutes)
- Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes)
- Beat in eggs one at a time
- Add vanilla extract
- Gradually incorporate dry ingredients until just combined
- Wrap dough and chill for 1 hour
- Shaping and Baking (30 minutes)
- Roll dough between parchment paper to ¼ inch thickness
- Cut with a decorative cookie mold or press
- Place on prepared baking sheets
- Chill shaped cookies for 15 minutes
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12-15 minutes until edges are lightly golden
Expert Tips
- The key to achieving sharp designs is properly chilled dough
- Don’t skip the second chilling after shaping – it helps maintain the pattern
- If you don’t have custard powder, substitute with cornstarch and vanilla powder
- Clean your cookie mold between every few pressings for the sharpest designs
- Roll dough to consistent thickness for even baking
Storage Recommendations
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week
- Layer cookies between parchment paper to protect designs
- Freeze unbaked cookie dough for up to 3 months
- Baked cookies can be frozen for up to 2 months
Troubleshooting
- Spreading during baking: Dough too warm or butter too soft
- Unclear patterns: Dough not chilled enough or mold not clean
- Tough cookies: Overworked dough or too much flour
- Uneven color: Inconsistent thickness or oven hot spots
Cultural Context
These elegant cookies draw inspiration from European butter cookies while incorporating the Asian aesthetic of detailed food artistry. The chrysanthemum pattern is particularly significant in East Asian culture, symbolizing nobility and autumn abundance. This fusion of techniques and designs represents the beautiful intersection of culinary traditions.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with afternoon tea or coffee
- Serve on a tiered plate for special occasions
- Package in decorative boxes for gifting
- Arrange in a spiral pattern on a round platter for maximum visual impact