If you are a fan of French cuisine, you may have heard of Navette cookies. Navette cookies are a traditional French cookie that originated in Marseille, a port city in the south of France. These small, boat-shaped cookies have a unique flavor and texture that makes them a favorite of many pastry chefs and cookie lovers around the world.
Navette cookies have a long history dating back to the 18th century when they were first created by nuns in the Sainte-Baume mountains in Marseille. The nuns created the cookies as a symbol of the boats that transported them to the mountain retreat where they lived. The shape of the cookie was meant to resemble a boat, or navette in French, which is how the cookies got their name.
The traditional recipe for Navette cookies includes flour, sugar, butter, eggs, and orange blossom water. The orange blossom water is what gives Navette cookies their unique flavor and fragrance.
Here is a step-by-step recipe for making Navette cookies at home:
Ingredients
- 250g all-purpose flour
- 125g unsalted butter, softened
- 100g granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp orange blossom water
- 1 tsp baking powder
- A pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the orange blossom water.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until the dough comes together.
- Knead the dough lightly on a floured surface until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Divide the dough into small pieces and roll them into the shape of boats.
- Place the cookies onto the prepared baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown.
- Allow the cookies to cool on a wire rack before serving.
Over the years, several variations of Navette cookies have been created. Some popular variations include:
Lemon Navette Cookies
Lemon Navette cookies are made using the traditional recipe but with the addition of lemon zest and juice instead of orange blossom water. They have a tangy, citrusy flavor that pairs well with a cup of tea or coffee.
Chocolate Navette Cookies
Chocolate Navette cookies are made using the traditional recipe but with the addition of cocoa powder. They have a rich, chocolatey flavor that is sure to satisfy any chocolate lover’s sweet tooth.
Almond Navette Cookies
Almond Navette cookies are made using ground almonds instead of flour. They have a nutty, slightly sweet flavor that pairs well with a cup of hot chocolate.
In conclusion, Navette cookies are a delicious French cookie with a long and fascinating history. Whether you prefer the traditional recipe or one of the many variations, Navette cookies are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
FAQs
Are Navette cookies difficult to make?
Not at all! Navette cookies are relatively easy to make and require only a few basic ingredients.
Can I substitute the orange blossom water for another flavor?
Yes, you can substitute