Perfectly Sweet Alkane Dragee Cookies

Do you ever have those days where you just need something sweet to take the edge off? Do you have a hankering for something elegant yet classic? Then allow us to introduce you to the perfect solution: alkane dragee cookies. These charming cookies feature crisp, thin, and just sweet enough, dragees on their surface that add a welcome crunch to the chewy texture of the cookie.

What are Alkane Dragee Cookies?

Alkane dragee cookies are a classic French dessert that many compare to the classic meringue and French macaron, but instead, the cookie is slightly softer and denser. The cookie is a cross between a classic shortbread cookie and a meringue cookie, and is an excellent vessel for drizzles and icings. As for the dragee on top, the literal translation from French to English is “dragées,” which are tiny, sugar-coated hard-candies. They are usually made with sugar and starch and offer a great topping to the cookie that adds a delightful crunch, sweetness, and often a sparkly sheen to the cookie.

Making the Perfect Alkane Dragee Cookie

These wonderful cookies are quite simple and straightforward to make. To start, preheat your oven to 300°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a Silpat.

In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour and ½ teaspoon of baking powder. In a separate bowl, cream together 3 ounces of softened butter and ½ cup of powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Then, add in 1 egg and ¾ teaspoon of vanilla extract and beat until combined. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, and mix on low until a dough forms.

Using a teaspoon, scoop out the dough and form it into little balls, about the size of a marble. Place them onto the prepared baking sheet and lightly flatten each one. Bake for about 18 minutes or until the cookies are just slightly golden. Immediately top each cookie with some dragees, pushing them gently into the surface of the cookie.

Once the cookies have cooled and the dragees have set, they are ready to be eaten! Enjoy them while they are still nice and crisp or alternatively, pop them in the fridge overnight to get a softer texture.

Unique Variations of Alkane Dragee Cookies

These beautiful cookies are incredibly versatile and can be spruced up with a variety of unique ingredients and flavors. For something a little more interesting, try adding a drizzle of white or dark chocolate. You can also mix in something like crushed almonds or candied citrus zest for a nice contrast in texture and flavor.

For a twist on the traditional cookie, you can also add a tablespoon of matcha or turmeric powder to the dough. This will give the cookies a wonderfully unique flavor. Finally, if you’d like to switch up the traditional topping, try using other kinds of dragees like chocolate or butterscotch.

Enjoy All the Sweetness of Alkane Dragee Cookies

Alkane dragee cookies are a delicious and unique treat that is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. From their classic texture to the crunchy and sweet topping, these cookies will satisfy anyone’s sweet tooth. And with their versatility and the endless possibilities for customization, you’ll never get bored of them. Enjoy them with a cup of coffee or tea, or package them up in a little box and give as a gift. Regardless of how you choose to enjoy them, you’ll be sure to find out why these little treats are a classic, beloved French dessert.