Welsh Cookies (aka Welsh Cakes) Recipe (2024)

Monday, December 30, 2019

How to make Welsh cookies. Also called Welsh cakes, this delicious dessert is fried on a griddle and packed with a unique flavor of currants and nutmeg.

Although my parents and grandparents were born in the United States, my grandmother had several family member in Wales. She would write them letters and visit them, so she passed on some of the food and culture.

My absolute favorite Welsh treat is this Welsh cookie recipe. Welsh cookies, also called Welsh cakes, are unlike other cookies. They are made similar to a dough, then they are cooked on a griddle and then dipped in sugar.

Welsh Cookies (aka Welsh Cakes) Recipe (1)

They are pretty easy to make, but the currants can be hard to find. My grocery store only carries them in the fall though Christmas, so I stock up or order them online if I need them though the year.

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My grandmother used to make these all the time. She would spend hours making several batches of these delicious cookies and freeze the leftovers. She would put them in an ice cream bucket and put them in her big freezer for later.

When someone stopped by, she would have a grandkid sneak down to the basem*nt to get the ice cream bucket and set them out on a plate. In about an hour, we had delicious cookies.

My grandmother always made these with a scalloped cookie cutter. I'm not sure what the significance of that cookie cutter was, but I think someone in the family made it. She only used it for Welsh cookies though.

When she passed, everyone wanted that cookie cutter. I didn't get it, but I did find one similar. Mine has smaller scallops, so they don't turn out quite the same. But they taste the same, and that's all that matters.

More dessert recipes I'm sure you'll love:

  • Easy Rice Pudding Recipe
  • Baked Pumpkin Doughnuts
  • Blueberry Mug Cake Recipe

What is the Best Way to Eat a Welsh Cake (Cookie)?

They are delicious warm or room temperature. I had plenty of them still partially frozen from the deep freeze, but I will admit that they are better warm.

If you do want to reheat them, it's best to heat them in a pan on the stove rather than microwave them. You can also heat them at 275 degrees Fahrenheit for three to four minutes.

You can dip them in sugar like I do or leave them plain and eat them with jam or butter.

Why Are They Called Welsh Cakes (Cookies)?

I grew up calling them Welsh cookies, but the Internet tells me that they are actually called Welsh cakes. They are also sometimes called bakestones or griddle cakes.

They were traditionally made on a cast iron griddle over an open fire. I use an electric skillet to make mine, and I've also made them in a pan on the stove.

Welsh Cookies (aka Welsh Cakes) Recipe (2)

How Long Do Welsh Cakes (Cookies) Last?

Welsh cakes will last about a week in an airtight container. You can also freeze them. They freeze beautifully and don't get soft when they thaw.

What are Currants?

You really do need to use currants for this recipe. You might be tempted to add raisins, but they will not taste the same.

Currants do come from grapes, specifically the Black Corinth grape. They are dried and give a sweet and flavorful dried fruit.

They are sometimes called Zante currants because the grapes were grown on the island of Zante south of Greece.

Welsh Cookies (aka Welsh Cakes) Recipe (3)

Ingredients

  • 2 1/2 cups white flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup vegetable shortening
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1 cup currants
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extractWelsh Cookies (aka Welsh Cakes) Recipe (4) (or make your own vanilla extract)
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/4 cup milk

Directions

Step #1

Add the white flour, salt, and vegetable shortening to a large bowl. Use a pastry blender to mix like you would a pie dough. It will be crumbly.

Welsh Cookies (aka Welsh Cakes) Recipe (5)


Step #2

Add the baking powder, nutmeg, currants, sugar, vanilla extract, eggs, and milk to the flour mixture. Stir well to combine.

Welsh Cookies (aka Welsh Cakes) Recipe (6)


Step #3

Roll to 1/4" thick. Cut out. If I made this when it's warm in the house, I put the dough in the fridge for 20 minutes to chill so it holds together easier.

Welsh Cookies (aka Welsh Cakes) Recipe (7)


Step #4

Cook on a greased griddle at 300 degrees until brown, about 3-4 minutes. Flip and cook again until brown.

Welsh Cookies (aka Welsh Cakes) Recipe (8)


Step #5

Remove from griddle and dip in white sugar. Flip to cover. Set on a baking rack to cool.

Welsh Cookies (aka Welsh Cakes) Recipe (9)


Yum! These Welsh cookies are delicious. They make a great snack with tea or just because. They aren't sweet, and the currants give them a different flavor than other cookies.

Welsh Cookies (aka Welsh Cakes) Recipe (10)


welsh cookie, welsh cake, cookie, dessert, currants

dessert

Welsh

Yield: 32

Author: Cari @ Koti Beth

Welsh Cookies (aka Welsh Cakes) Recipe (11)

Welsh Cookies Recipe

prep time: 15 Mcook time: 1 hourtotal time: 1 H & 15 M

How to make traditional Welsh cookies (Welsh cakes).

ingredients:

  • 2 1/2 cups white flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup vegetable shortening
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1 cup currants
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (or make your own vanilla extract)
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/4 cup milk

instructions:

How to cook Welsh Cookies Recipe

  1. Add the white flour, salt, and vegetable shortening to a large bowl. Use a pastry blender to mix like you would a pie dough. It will be crumbly.
  2. Add the baking powder, nutmeg, currants, sugar, vanilla extract, eggs, and milk to the flour mixture. Stir well to combine.
  3. Roll to 1/4" thick. Cut out. If I made this when it's warm in the house, I put the dough in the fridge for 20 minutes to chill so it holds together easier.
  4. Cook on a greased griddle at 300 degrees until brown, about 3-4 minutes. Flip and cook again until brown.
  5. Remove from griddle and dip in white sugar. Flip to cover. Set on a baking rack to cool.

Calories
136.18

Fat (grams)
6.86

Sat. Fat (grams)
2.73

Carbs (grams)
17.21

Fiber (grams)
0.58

Net carbs
16.63

Sugar (grams)
9.32

Protein (grams)
1.65

Sodium (milligrams)
30.21

Cholesterol (grams)
15.37

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Copyright © Koti Beth 2019. All rights reserved.

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Welsh Cookies (aka Welsh Cakes) Recipe (12)


Welsh Cookies (aka Welsh Cakes) Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What do Welsh people call Welsh cakes? ›

Welsh cakes (Welsh: picau ar y maen, pice bach, cacennau cri or teisennau gradell), also bakestones or pics, are a traditional sweet bread in Wales. They have been popular since the late 19th century with the addition of fat, sugar and dried fruit to a longer standing recipe for flat-bread baked on a griddle.

What is the story behind Welsh cakes? ›

It is certain that the cakes, generally known today as 'Welsh Cakes', have been tea-time favourites in Glamorgan since the latter decades of the last century. At one period they would be eaten regularly in farmhouses and cottages alike, and the miner would also expect to find them in his food-box.

What is the difference between a Welsh cake and a scone? ›

Think of the Welsh cake as a cousin of the English scone. Although both round in shape, a Welsh cake is flatter; it's usually up to 8 centimetres in diameter and about 1 centimetre thick. Like the scone, it includes flour, butter or lard, dried fruits, milk, eggs and spices like nutmeg.

What is the most popular dessert in Wales? ›

Welsh cakes

Perhaps the best-loved of all Welsh treats, these small, circular cakes are dusted in sugar and provide the perfect accompaniment to a hot cup of tea. Traditionally cooked on a bakestone, Welsh cakes can also contain sultanas and chocolate chips for a sweeter twist on the original recipe.

What is a Welsh girl called? ›

Welsh·​wom·​an ˈwelsh-ˌwu̇-mən. ˈwelch- : a woman who is a native or inhabitant of Wales.

What is the national dish of the Welsh? ›

Cawl, pronounced "cowl", can be regarded as Wales' national dish. Dating back to the 11th century, originally it was a simple broth of meat (most likely lamb) and vegetables, it could be cooked slowly over the course of the day whilst the family was out working the fields.

What is a fun fact about Welsh Cakes? ›

The Welsh Cakes were originally called "picau ar y maen" or "cakes on the stone." They are one of the most popular Welsh treats and the favorite food of so many in Wales. In fact, we asked over 25 people what their favorite Welsh recipe was and half of them answered Welsh Cakes.

What is the best way to eat a Welsh cake? ›

How to serve your Welsh cakes. I suggest eating these warm, either straightaway or reheated in the toaster. Traditionally I believe these are eaten just as they are, or of course you can add a topping such as butter or jam. I'm thinking now that peanut butter might work on these too, or even chocolate spread!

Why do my Welsh Cakes fall apart? ›

If there are loads of crumbly bits its probably too dry. You want to be aiming for a nice soft dough that stays together but isn't sticky and messy!

What are Welsh cakes called in England? ›

They were usually called Pica ar y Maen in south Carmarthenshire, West Glamorgan and South Glamorgan. In English, they would be called 'bakestone cakes' or simply 'bakestones'.

Why are my Welsh cakes hard? ›

Why did my Welsh cakes turn out hard, dry or crumbly? If your Welsh Cakes turned out hard, dry or crumbly, your mixture was probably not wet enough. Next time, add a little bit of milk so the mix is softer.

Are Eccles cakes the same as Welsh cakes? ›

What is a Welsh Cake? It's like a cross between a pancake, cookie, or a scone but they are nothing like it. These are somewhat similar in appearance to Eccles Cakes but Welsh Cakes are a bit flatter than an Eccles Cake and unlike an Eccles Cake, Welsh Cakes are not filled.

What was Queen Elizabeth's favorite dessert? ›

Attempting Queen Elizabeth II's favorite dessert: Chocolate Biscuit Cake | K.M.

What is the most eaten food in Wales? ›

Staple fruits of the land include oats, barley, wheat and vegetables, including the famous Welsh leek – an enduring symbol of Wales and found in traditional dishes, such as Glamorgan sausage and the hearty broth known simply as cawl. Nothing showcases the Welsh tradition of simple wholesome fare more than cawl.

What do Welsh eat for breakfast? ›

The Welsh Breakfast is a unique combination of some of the most symbolic food of Wales, such as Welsh bacon, Laverbread, and Penclawdd co*ckles. The breakfast begins with thick slices of Welsh bacon. Historically, bacon was kept and used as a staple source of fat in most kitchens throughout Wales.

What is a Welsh bakestone called? ›

Welshcakes are cooked on a bakestone. This is a flat cast iron cooking plate – like a griddle only thicker. The bakestone is also called a 'planc' in certain parts of Wales and in North Wales it may be referred to as 'maen'.

What does yaki dar mean in Wales? ›

How do you say cheers in Welsh? The Welsh word for cheers is 'iechyd da'. It is a common phrase used in Wales, even among those who don't speak Welsh fluently. Over the years, the saying has become anglicised among the English-speaking in Wales, and is often pronounced 'yaki dah'.

What does Bara Brith mean in Welsh? ›

History. Bara Brith derived its name from the Welsh language, bara meaning bread and brith translating as speckled.

References

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