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Melindros

Traditional Catalan sponge biscuits with a delicate interior and crisp sugar crust, cooked until golden and perfect for dipping into thick hot chocolate.

30 minMediumServes 6140 cal/serving

SpanishDessertOvenVegetarianHalal-friendlyKosher-styleNut-FreeDairy-FreeSoy-FreeLow-SodiumShellfish-FreeSesame-FreePork-FreeAlcohol-FreeNightshade-Free

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Ingredients

  • 4 eggs, separated
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour, sifted
  • 1 tsp lemon zest, grated
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar

Instructions

  1. 1

    Preheat oven to 375 degrees F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

  2. 2

    Beat egg yolks from 4 separated eggs with half of the 1/2 cup granulated sugar and 1 tsp grated lemon zest until pale and thick.

  3. 3

    Whip egg whites from eggs to soft peaks, then gradually add remaining sugar until stiff peaks form.

  4. 4

    Fold egg yolk mixture and 1 cup sifted all-purpose flour into whipped whites until just combined.

  5. 5

    Pipe 4-inch strips onto prepared baking sheets and dust with 1/4 cup powdered sugar.

  6. 6

    Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until lightly golden, then cool completely on wire racks.

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Questions

What temperature do I cook Melindros at?

For Melindros, the oven is set to 375 F (about 190 C) in step 1. The longest stretch at that heat is 10 minutes, in step 6.

Why does Melindros say not to overmix?

Step 4 reads: "Fold egg yolk mixture and 1 cup sifted all-purpose flour into whipped whites until just combined." Stirring develops gluten, and gluten makes quick batters tough and tunneled. Stop at step 4 while a few streaks of flour remain; they hydrate on their own.

What can I use instead of powdered sugar in Melindros?

The entry for Melindros calls for 1/4 cup powdered sugar. In its place: Blend granulated sugar with a teaspoon of cornstarch per cup until fine.

Can I make Melindros gluten-free?

Yes. The gluten in Melindros is 1 cup all-purpose flour, sifted. Swap the flour for a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking blend (where it only thickens a sauce, half as much cornstarch also works). Everything else proceeds as written.

Is Melindros vegan?

No, though it is vegetarian. What keeps it from vegan is 4 eggs, separated. For fully plant-based entries, see the vegan dessert collection.

Does Melindros contain eggs?

Yes: 4 eggs, separated. The full allergen list for this entry is gluten and eggs. Packaged ingredients vary by brand, so check labels if the allergy is serious.

Serve it with

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