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King Cake Cookies

A delightful twist on the classic galette des rois, these King Cake Cookies feature flaky layers, rich almond filling, and pockets of melted chocolate, making them perfect for any celebration.
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Prep Time 40 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 12 cookies
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: French, Pastry
Calories: 250
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pastry Cream
  • 1 cup Milk Whole milk is recommended.
  • 1 pod Vanilla pod Split open to infuse the milk.
  • 2 large Eggs Use fresh eggs for the best results.
  • 1/4 cup Sugar
  • 2 tablespoons Cornstarch
Almond Cream
  • 1/2 cup Soft butter At room temperature.
  • 1/2 cup Sugar
  • 2 large Eggs Use fresh eggs for the best results.
  • 1 cup Almond powder
  • 1 teaspoon Bitter almond extract
Cookies Assembly
  • 1 package Puff pastry Thawed if store-bought.
  • 1 egg Egg for egg wash Beaten for a glossy finish.
  • 1/2 cup Chocolate chips Use semi-sweet or dark chocolate.

Method
 

Prepare the Pastry Cream
  1. Boil milk with a split vanilla pod.
  2. In a bowl, beat eggs and sugar, then add cornstarch.
  3. Incorporate the hot milk into the egg mixture and heat until thickened.
  4. Cover with plastic wrap and cool.
Make the Almond Cream
  1. In a separate bowl, mix soft butter and sugar until creamy.
  2. Add eggs, almond powder, and bitter almond extract, then mix until well combined.
Combine Creams
  1. Mix both pastry cream and almond cream to obtain the frangipane.
  2. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Prepare and Bake Cookies
  1. Roll out puff pastry to 3–4 mm thick; cut into rectangles or circles.
  2. Refrigerate for 20 minutes.
  3. Spread frangipane on one pastry, leaving a border.
  4. Add the fève charm (if using) and chocolate chips; moisten edges and cover with the second pastry.
  5. Seal edges and freeze for another 20 minutes.
  6. Brush with egg wash, score the top, and prick with a fork.
  7. Bake at 200°C, then lower to 180°C for 25–30 minutes.
  8. Let cool on a wire rack, adding more chocolate chips before serving.
  9. Cut with a serrated knife.

Notes

Serve slightly warm for the best flavor. Store cooled cookies in an airtight container for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for longer storage. Unbaked cookies can be frozen for up to 1 month.