Easter is a time of joy, celebration, and delicious treats. And what better way to celebrate than with Easter Empty Tomb Cookies? These cookies are a fun and unique way to remember the true meaning of Easter while satisfying your sweet tooth. In this article, we will share with you two different recipes for Easter Empty Tomb Cookies, along with tips, variations, and storage instructions. Let’s get baking!
Recipe 1: Classic Easter Empty Tomb Cookies
Ingredients:
- 1 cup whole pecans
- 1 tsp. vinegar
- 3 egg whites
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 cup sugar
- Ziploc bag
- Wooden spoon
- Parchment paper
- Baking sheet
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
- Place pecans in Ziploc bag and crush them with a wooden spoon.
- Beat egg whites with a pinch of salt until stiff.
- Add sugar and vinegar gradually while continuing to beat egg whites until mixture is glossy.
- Gently fold in crushed pecans.
- Drop mixture by spoonfuls onto parchment paper-lined baking sheet.
- Place cookies in preheated oven and immediately turn off the heat.
- Leave cookies in the oven for at least 1 hour or until completely cooled.
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 72
- Fat: 4.4g
- Carbohydrates: 8.1g
- Protein: 0.9g
- Sodium: 9mg
- Sugar: 7.9g
Cooking Time:
1 hour (not including cooling time)
Equipment:
- Ziploc bag
- Wooden spoon
- Parchment paper
- Baking sheet
Serving Suggestions:
These cookies are perfect for an Easter brunch or as a sweet treat after Easter dinner. Serve with a cold glass of milk or hot cup of coffee.
Variations:
Try adding 1 tsp. of cinnamon or 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips to the mixture for a different flavor. You can also substitute the pecans with almonds or walnuts.
Substitutions:
You can use any type of nuts you prefer in place of the pecans. You can also substitute the sugar with a sugar substitute such as Splenda.
Storage:
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Tips:
- Be sure to beat the egg whites until they are stiff to ensure a fluffy texture.
- Crush the pecans in a Ziploc bag to avoid making a mess.
- Line the baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I make these cookies ahead of time? Yes, you can make these cookies up to a week in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature.
- What if I don’t have parchment paper? You can use aluminum foil or a non-stick baking mat instead.
- Can I freeze these cookies? Yes, you can freeze these cookies for up to 2 months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.
Recipe 2: Gluten-Free Easter Empty Tomb Cookies
Ingredients:
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1/2 cup honey
- 2 egg whites
- 1/4 tsp. salt
- 1/4 tsp. almond extract
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds
- Parchment paper
- Baking sheet
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
- In a large bowl, whisk together almond flour, honey, egg whites, salt, and almond extract until smooth.
- Stir in sliced almonds.
- Spoon mixture onto parchment paper-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 8.1g
- Carbohydrates: 10.3g
- Protein: 3.2g
- Sodium: 47mg
- Sugar: 8.7g
Cooking Time:
15-20 minutes
Equipment:
- Parchment paper
- Baking sheet
Serving Suggestions:
These gluten-free cookies are perfect for those with dietary restrictions. Serve with a hot cup of tea or coffee.
Variations:
Try adding 1/2 cup of dried cranberries or raisins to the mixture for a fruity twist. You can also substitute the sliced almonds with chopped pecans or walnuts.
Substitutions:
You can use any type of nut flour you prefer in place of the almond flour. You can also substitute the honey with maple syrup or agave nectar.
Storage:
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Tips:
- Make sure the almond flour is finely ground for the best texture.
- Use a cookie scoop or spoon to make even-sized cookies.
- Line the baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use regular flour instead of almond flour? No, regular flour will not work in this recipe. You can try using another type of nut flour or a gluten-free flour blend.
- What if I don’t have almond extract? You can omit the almond extract or substitute it with vanilla extract.
- Can I freeze these cookies? Yes, you can freeze these cookies for up to 2 months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.
Final Thoughts
Easter Empty Tomb Cookies are a delicious and fun way to celebrate Easter while remembering the true meaning of the holiday. Whether you choose the classic recipe or the gluten-free version, these cookies are sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Don’t be afraid to get creative with different variations and substitutions to make them your own. We hope you enjoy making and eating these cookies as much as we do.