Traditional Crespells: A Classic Mallorcan Cookie Recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 cups of all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup of sugar
  • 1/2 cup of olive oil
  • 1/2 cup of white wine
  • 1 teaspoon of lemon zest
  • 1 teaspoon of orange zest
  • Powdered sugar for dusting

Steps and instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine the flour and sugar.
  2. Add the olive oil, white wine, lemon zest, and orange zest into the bowl.
  3. Mix the ingredients together until a dough forms.
  4. Cover the dough and let it rest for 30 minutes at room temperature.
  5. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  6. On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness.
  7. Use a cookie cutter to cut out shapes from the dough and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
  8. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until lightly golden.
  9. Let the Crespells cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  10. Once cooled, dust the Crespells with powdered sugar.

Tools for making

  • Mixing Bowl - A large bowl to combine the ingredients.
  • Rolling Pin - A tool used to roll out the dough to the desired thickness.
  • Cookie Cutter - Used to cut out shapes from the dough.
  • Baking Sheet - A sheet pan lined with parchment paper for baking the Crespells.
  • Wire Rack - Used to cool the Crespells after baking.
  • Sifter - To sift powdered sugar for dusting.
  • Measuring Cups - For accurately measuring the flour, sugar, olive oil, and white wine.
  • Microplane Zester - Used to zest the lemons and oranges.

Recipe variations

  • Using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for a nuttier flavor and added nutrition.
  • Replacing the olive oil with melted butter for a richer taste.
  • Adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the dough for a hint of sweetness.
  • Using almond extract instead of lemon and orange zest for an almond-flavored version.
  • Adding a teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the dough for a spiced variation.
  • Stuffing the Crespells with sweet fillings like Nutella, jam, or cream cheese.
  • Adding chopped nuts or dried fruits to the dough for added texture.
  • Making a savory version by adding herbs like rosemary or thyme to the dough.
  • Using different cookie cutter shapes to create unique designs.
  • Making mini Crespells by using a smaller cookie cutter or shaping them into bite-sized rounds.

Recipe overview

Welcome to our delicious Crespells recipe page! Crespells are traditional cookies from the Island of Mallorca in Spain, typically made during the Easter period. They're known for their distinctive flavors of citrus and olive oil, creating a unique sweet treat that's not too overwhelming. These cookies have a lovely texture, crispy on the outside yet soft on the inside. The recipe is simple and straightforward, perfect for baking beginners. It involves mixing a few basic ingredients, rolling out the dough, cutting it into shapes, and baking until golden. To finish, a dusting of powdered sugar adds an extra touch of sweetness. These delightful cookies are sure to impress your friends and family!

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different type of flour? Yes, you can try using whole wheat flour or a gluten-free flour blend as a substitute for all-purpose flour, but the texture and taste of the crespells may differ.
  2. Can I replace the white wine with something else? If you prefer not to use wine, you can substitute it with an equal amount of water or apple juice.
  3. Can I skip the lemon and orange zest? While the citrus zest adds a delightful flavor to the crespells, you can omit it if you don't have any on hand. The crespells will still taste delicious.
  4. How should I store the crespells? Once cooled, store the crespells in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
  5. Can I freeze the crespells? Yes, you can freeze the crespells for up to 2 months. Make sure to place them in a freezer-safe container or bag and thaw them at room temperature before serving.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Mixing Bowl - A large bowl to combine the ingredients.
  • Whisk - To mix the ingredients together.
  • Rolling Pin - For rolling out the dough to the desired thickness.
  • Cookie Cutter - To cut the dough into shapes.
  • Baking Sheet - A sheet pan to bake the Crespells.
  • Parchment Paper - To line the baking sheet and prevent sticking.
  • Wire Rack - To cool the Crespells after baking.
  • Sifter - For dusting the Crespells with powdered sugar.

Origin stories

Crespells are a traditional sweet treat from the Balearic Islands, specifically Mallorca, and are typically prepared for Easter. These delicately flavored cookies are often made in the shapes of flowers, stars, and hearts as a reflection of the joy and celebration of the Easter season. An interesting tidbit is that the ingredients of Crespells like olive oil and wine find their roots in the island's agricultural history. The olive trees and vineyards of Mallorca have been long-standing sources of livelihood, and the fruits of this labor find their way into many traditional Mallorcan recipes, including the delightful Crespells. An age-old tradition involves children participating in the baking process, making it a family affair and a charming way to pass on the island's culinary heritage from one generation to the next. The dusting of powdered sugar is not just a sweet finish, but also signifies the end of Lenten fasting and the welcoming of feasting and festivities.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.