If you have a soft spot for delightful coconut treats that melt in your mouth with every bite, then this Romany Creams Sandwich Cookies Recipe is going to become your new favorite. These iconic South African cookies combine the perfect balance of a tender, cocoa-infused biscuit with a luscious melted chocolate filling and a generous touch of desiccated coconut, creating a sandwich cookie that’s simply irresistible. Whether you’re baking them for an afternoon tea or a cozy gathering, these cookies bring that sweet nostalgic charm with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first joyful step toward making these heavenly cookies. Each component plays a crucial role in achieving that perfect texture and flavor—whether it’s the creamy butter for richness or the desiccated coconut for that signature chewiness.
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened): Provides a creamy base that ensures the cookies stay tender and rich.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough just right, balancing with the cocoa and coconut.
- 1 large egg: Helps bind the ingredients together and adds moisture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a warm, fragrant depth to the cookie dough.
- 2 tablespoons milk: Keeps the dough soft and easy to work with.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation that gives the cookies structure and body.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Gives the cookies a slight lift for that perfect crumb.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Provides a delicious chocolatey note without overpowering.
- 1 1/2 cups desiccated coconut: Brings that distinctive, chewy coconut texture every Romany Cream lover craves.
- 6 ounces semi-sweet or dark chocolate (melted, for filling): The rich, glossy center that sandwiches the cookies together beautifully.
How to Make Romany Creams Sandwich Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent any sticking and to make cleanup a breeze. Setting up your baking station first always makes the process smoother and more enjoyable.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color. This step is key because it traps air which helps keep your cookies wonderfully tender and soft after baking. It’s such a satisfying texture to achieve—like a buttery cloud.
Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients
Next, mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and milk. Make sure these ingredients are well combined to create a smooth batter. The vanilla adds subtle sweetness, while the milk and egg make the dough pliable and rich.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients and Mix Into Wet
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and cocoa powder. Gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients, stirring gently until a soft dough forms. This method keeps the texture light without overworking the flour, which could make your cookies tough.
Step 5: Fold in the Desiccated Coconut
Gently fold in the desiccated coconut, making sure it’s evenly distributed throughout the dough. This coconut is what makes Romany Creams so special, giving that distinct texture and a subtle tropical flavor that perfectly contrasts the rich cocoa.
Step 6: Shape and Bake the Cookies
Scoop small spoonfuls of dough and roll them into balls. Place these on your parchment-lined trays and gently flatten each ball with a fork—this helps them bake evenly and gives them that classic cookie shape. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until the cookies are set and just slightly crisp around the edges but still soft in the middle.
Step 7: Cool and Assemble
Let your cookies cool completely right on the trays. Once cooled, take two cookies and sandwich them together using the melted chocolate as glue. This melted chocolate filling adds a luscious richness that pulls the whole Romany Cream experience together perfectly.
How to Serve Romany Creams Sandwich Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
If you want to add an extra flourish when serving, lightly sprinkle some extra desiccated coconut on top of the melted chocolate filling before it sets. For a more festive touch, dust the cookies with a little cocoa powder or add a drizzle of white chocolate to contrast beautifully with the deep cocoa in the cookies.
Side Dishes
Nothing complements these delightful cookies like a warm cup of tea or rich coffee. For an afternoon treat, pair them with a steaming mug of chai or an espresso to balance the sweetness. They also work wonderfully alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to wow your guests? Stack these sandwich cookies in a decorative glass jar tied with a ribbon or arrange them on a tiered cake stand. For a party, serve them on individual small plates garnished with fresh berries or mint leaves to brighten up the presentation. These little touches make your Romany Creams feel extra special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your Romany Creams Sandwich Cookies are fully assembled and the chocolate has set, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh and delicious for up to a week, making them a perfect make-ahead treat for busy days or unexpected guests.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these cookies later, you can freeze the unfilled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container. Freeze the melted chocolate separately. When ready to serve, thaw the cookies and reassemble with fresh melted chocolate for best texture and taste.
Reheating
For a warm cookie experience, gently microwave one assembled cookie for 10-15 seconds just to soften the chocolate filling a little. Be careful not to overheat or the coconut texture may change. This little tip keeps the cookies tasting fresh and bakery-like right at home.
FAQs
Can I substitute shredded coconut for desiccated coconut in the Romany Creams Sandwich Cookies Recipe?
Absolutely! Shredded coconut will work, but keep in mind it may add a bit more moisture and a chewier texture to the cookies. Desiccated coconut keeps the cookies light and crisp, which is why it’s traditionally preferred.
Is there a vegan version of this Romany Creams Sandwich Cookies Recipe?
Yes, you can swap the butter for a plant-based alternative and use a flax egg or chia egg instead of a chicken egg. For the chocolate filling, use dairy-free chocolate. These substitutions keep the cookies delicious while making them vegan-friendly.
How do I make sure my cookies are the right texture?
Make sure to cream your butter and sugar until fluffy and do not overmix once you add the flour. Also, flatten the cookie dough balls just as instructed to get the characteristic cookie thickness and chewiness with crisp edges.
Can I use milk chocolate instead of semi-sweet or dark chocolate for the filling?
You can! Using milk chocolate will make the filling sweeter and creamier, which some people love. Just be aware it may be less rich than dark chocolate, so adjust your sweetness expectations accordingly.
What is the best way to melt chocolate for the filling?
The gentle way is to melt chocolate over a double boiler or in short bursts in the microwave, stirring frequently to avoid burning. Smooth melted chocolate will give you that perfect sandwich effect and a glossy finish.
Final Thoughts
Making this Romany Creams Sandwich Cookies Recipe is like capturing a little piece of South African sweetness and sharing it with everyone you love. The combination of soft cocoa cookies, chewy coconut, and silky chocolate melting together is pure magic. So go ahead, gather those ingredients, and bake yourself some happiness—you won’t regret it!
Print
Romany Creams Sandwich Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 20 sandwich cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: South African
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Romany Creams are a beloved South African dessert featuring soft, cocoa-infused coconut cookies sandwiched together with a rich melted chocolate filling. These homemade sandwich cookies offer a perfect balance of textures and flavors – a slightly crisp edge, tender coconut center, and smooth chocolate binding them all. Ideal for teatime or any indulgent treat craving.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 cups desiccated coconut
Filling
- 6 ounces semi-sweet or dark chocolate (melted)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and prepare two baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, ensuring a smooth texture for your cookies.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and milk until fully incorporated, creating a creamy batter base for the cookie dough.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and unsweetened cocoa powder to evenly distribute the leavening agents and cocoa.
- Form the Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until a soft dough forms. Then fold in the desiccated coconut evenly throughout the dough for texture and flavor.
- Shape Cookies: Scoop small spoonfuls of dough and roll them into balls. Place these on the lined baking sheets and slightly flatten each ball with a fork to form cookie shapes.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the cookies are set and have slightly crisp edges, signaling they are done.
- Cool Completely: Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool fully on a wire rack, which is essential before assembling the sandwich cookies.
- Assemble the Sandwich Cookies: Spread or drizzle the melted semi-sweet or dark chocolate onto the flat side of one cookie and sandwich it with another cookie. Press gently and let the chocolate set to create a delicious filling.
Notes
- For a richer chocolate flavor, try using dark cocoa powder or a combination of dark and milk chocolate for the filling.
- Store the assembled Romany Creams in an airtight container to keep them fresh for up to one week.
- Ensure cookies are completely cooled before sandwiching with chocolate to prevent melting and mess.
