**Ingredients:**
– **For the Cookies:**
– 500 grams of butter (room temperature)
– 1 cup of caster sugar
– 1/4 cup of icing sugar
– 1/4 cup of oil
– 1 egg
– 1 tablespoon vanilla essence
– 4 cups cake flour
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 125 grams cocoa powder
– 2 cups medium desiccated coconut
– **For the Chocolate Filling:**
– 450 grams of plain chocolate, melted (in a microwave or double boiler)
#### **Preparation Time:**
– **Prep Time:** 20 minutes (plus chilling time)
– **Cook Time:** 12-15 minutes
– **Total Time:** 35-40 minutes
#### **Instructions:**
1. **Cream the Wet Ingredients:**
– In a large mixing bowl, beat the **butter**, **caster sugar**, **icing sugar**, and **oil** using an electric mixer. Beat for about 3-4 minutes until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
– Add in the **egg** and **vanilla essence** and beat again for 1 minute until fully incorporated.
2. **Combine the Dry Ingredients:**
– In a separate bowl, sift together the **cake flour**, **baking powder**, **cocoa powder**, and **desiccated coconut**.
– Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing gently by hand until you form a soft dough.
3. **Chill the Dough:**
– Wrap the dough in cling film and refrigerate for about 20 minutes to firm up.
4. **Roll and Shape the Dough:**
– Preheat your oven to **180°C** (350°F).
– Roll out the chilled dough on a well-floured surface. To prevent sticking, you can also place wax paper or cling film on top of the dough while rolling.
– Once the dough is about 5mm (1/4 inch) thick, use a fork to gently scrape the surface, creating the signature rugged look of Romany Creams.
– Use a cookie cutter to cut out small, round shapes.
5. **Bake the Cookies:**
– Place the cookies on a greased or lined baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart.
– Bake for **12-15 minutes** until the cookies are firm to the touch but not too hard. They should still be slightly soft when you take them out, as they will firm up while cooling.
– Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack.
6. **Prepare the Chocolate Filling:**
– While the cookies are cooling, melt the **plain chocolate** in a microwave-safe bowl (about 2 minutes) or over a double boiler, stirring occasionally until smooth.
7. **Assemble the Sandwich Cookies:**
– Once the cookies have cooled, spread a generous amount of melted chocolate on the flat side of one cookie.
– Place another cookie on top, flat side down, to create a sandwich.
– Allow the chocolate to set before serving. You can refrigerate the cookies briefly to speed up the process.
#### **Method:**
– This recipe involves **creaming the butter** and sugars to create a light, airy base for the cookies.
– The **desiccated coconut** is added to give the cookies a crunchy texture and enhance the overall flavor.
– **Rolling the dough** and scraping it with a fork helps create the traditional Romany Creams’ rugged look.
– Finally, the sandwiching of two cookies with **melted chocolate** is what makes this treat extra special, giving it a rich and indulgent finish.
#### **History of Romany Creams:**
Romany Creams were first introduced in South Africa in the 1960s by the Bakers company, and they quickly became a household favorite. The cookies were inspired by the idea of combining two classic treats—chocolate and coconut biscuits—with a decadent filling, which was quite innovative at the time. Over the decades, Romany Creams have remained popular due to their perfect balance of crunch and creaminess, and they are now enjoyed across the globe. These cookies have become a symbol of nostalgia for many families who grew up eating them as part of their teatime traditions.
#### **Benefits of the Recipe:**
– **Energy Boost:** The sugar and carbohydrates in these cookies provide a quick energy boost, making them a great pick-me-up snack.
– **Mood Enhancer:** Chocolate is known for its ability to increase serotonin levels in the brain, which can improve mood.
– **Coconut Benefits:** The desiccated coconut adds fiber and contains healthy fats that may aid digestion and boost metabolism.
– **Versatile and Customizable:** This recipe is highly versatile. You can switch up the filling, add nuts, or even flavor the dough with different extracts like almond or orange.
#### **Formation:**
– The dough for Romany Creams is easy to work with once chilled. It’s essential to keep the dough cold to make it easier to roll out and cut into shapes.
– Using a fork to scrape the dough before cutting adds a unique texture that not only looks appealing but also helps the chocolate filling adhere better.
#### **Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approx. 2 Cookies):**
– Calories: ~250 kcal
– Fat: ~15g
– Carbohydrates: ~30g
– Sugar: ~20g
– Fiber: ~2g
– Protein: ~3g
#### **Who Loves This Recipe?**
Romany Creams are perfect for:
– **Chocolate lovers** who crave a rich, cocoa-flavored treat.
– **Families** looking for a cookie recipe that can be made in large batches and enjoyed throughout the week.
– **Tea or coffee enthusiasts** who want the perfect accompaniment to their hot beverage.
– **Kids and adults** alike, as these cookies are fun to make and even more fun to eat.
– **Baking enthusiasts** who enjoy working with classic recipes and putting their own spin on them.
#### **Conclusion:**
Romany Creams are more than just a cookie—they are a cherished tradition. Their delightful blend of chocolate and coconut makes them a favorite for many, and their versatility means you can easily adapt the recipe to your liking. Whether you’re baking them for a special occasion or simply to satisfy a sweet craving, these cookies are sure to impress.
#### **Conclusion for Lovers:**
For all the chocolate lovers out there, Romany Creams are the ultimate indulgence. With their rich chocolate filling and crispy, coconut-infused biscuits, these cookies are like a love letter in every bite. Share them with someone special, enjoy them with your favorite cup of coffee or tea, and let the comforting flavors of these delicious treats bring a smile to your face.