Ástarbitar

Background of Ástarbitar

Ástarbitar, also known as "love bites" in Icelandic, are delectable almond meringue cookies with a creamy buttercream filling. These sweet treats have become a part of Icelandic dessert tradition due to their light texture and delightful combination of flavors. Often enjoyed with a cup of hot coffee, Ástarbitar are perfect for special occasions and festive gatherings.

Ingredients

• Almonds - 200g, finely ground
• Granulated Sugar - 150g
• Egg Whites - from 4 large eggs
• Powdered Sugar - 200g
• Unsalted Butter - 150g, softened
• Vanilla Extract - 1 teaspoon
• Almond Extract - 1 teaspoon

Preparation

Step 1: Prepare the Meringue

First, preheat your oven to 150°C (300°F). Begin by ensuring your egg whites are at room temperature for optimal whipping. Using a clean mixing bowl, beat the egg whites with a mixer until soft peaks form. Gradually add in the sugar, one tablespoon at a time, while continuously beating until stiff peaks form and the mixture is glossy.

Step 2: Fold in the Almonds

Gently fold the ground almonds into the meringue mixture using a spatula. Be careful to maintain the air in the mix by folding with soft movements, as this will help keep the cookies light and fluffy.

Step 3: Shape the Meringue

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Use a piping bag or a spoon to place small, even mounds of the almond meringue onto the prepared baking sheet. Aim for the size of a small macaron as they will expand slightly during baking.

Step 4: Baking

Bake the meringue cookies in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until they are firm and lightly golden on the edges. Once baked, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack before proceeding to the filling.

Step 5: Prepare the Buttercream Filling

For the filling, beat the softened butter in a mixing bowl until creamy and light. Slowly add the powdered sugar and continue to beat until smooth. Add the vanilla extract and almond extract and mix until all ingredients are combined.

Step 6: Assemble the Ástarbitar

Pair up the cooled meringue cookies by size. Spread a generous spoonful of buttercream on the flat side of one cookie and gently sandwich it with another. Press lightly to ensure the filling holds the two pieces together. Repeat this with the remaining cookies.

Enjoying Ástarbitar

Ástarbitar are best enjoyed with a complimentary beverage like coffee or tea. Their tenderness and the rich almond buttercream make them a perfect snack for dessert lovers. Serve them as part of an afternoon tea party, or present them in a decorative box as a gift for special occasions. To enhance the experience, consider playing soft Icelandic folk music to truly embrace the Nordic atmosphere while enjoying these delightful meringue cookies.

Tips and Variations

For a twist, consider adding a drop of food coloring to the buttercream to match the theme of your gathering. Alternatively, you can sprinkle crushed almonds on the buttercream before sandwiching for added texture.