Welsh Cakes

Welsh Cookies are lightly spiced, buttery and delicate little cakes that are cooked in a griddle or pan. Rich and lightly sweet, these make perfect treats with tea or coffee.

Course Breakfast, Dessert, Snacks

Cuisine European

Keyword welsh cakes

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Total Time 30

Servings

Calories 223kcal

Author sanna

Equipment

1 Griddle (see note) affiliate links
1 pastry cutter
1 pastry scraper

Ingredients

3 ¼ cups all purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
¼ tsp cumin
¼ tsp cinnamon
¼ tsp clove
¼ tsp salt
½ cup vegetable shortening chilled
½ cup butter cut into little cubes, chilled
¾ cup sugar
⅔ cup raisins
2 large eggs beaten
½ tbsp. milk to mix
powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

In a large bowl, sift together flour, the spices, baking powder and salt. Whisk to combine.
Using a pastry cutter, cut in the butter and shortening to the flour mixture until the mixture looks like loose crumbs. Add sugar and raisins.
Add eggs and milk to the mixture. Combine everything using a rubber spatula, stirring just until a shaggy dough is formed. DO not over stir. You can add about a teaspoon or so of milk if the dough is still too dry. Do not add too much! The dough is ready when it clings together when pressed with your fingers.
On a floured surface, roll the dough to a thickness of ¾ inch. Cut 2½ inch circles from the dough using a cookie cutter. To lift the dough circles, use a pastry scraper to help when they are sticking to the surface. Gather the dough scraps and roll again. Cut more circles. Repeat until the dough is all used up. This recipe makes 20 cookies.
Heat a lightly greased griddle or non-stick pan. Cook the cakes on medium heat on each side until golden. Serve warm.

Video

Notes

Griddle. I use this griddle which actually never leaves my stove top. I like it for making grilled cheese, pancakes, sausages, quesadillas and more. However, note that you can also cook the welsh cakes in a non-stick pan.

The Pastry Scraper. To lift the circle cut-outs from the surface, a pastry scraper is a valuable tool to have. Also be sure dust your surface with flour before rolling out the dough.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers. Store leftovers in a tightly sealed container at room temperature for up to three days. To-reheat, warm the cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.

Recipe from World Class Cakes by Roger Pizey

Nutrition