Apple marshmallow sandwiches

Ingredients

Shortcrust Pastry

200 grams (7 ounces) butter (82.5%)
1 egg (large)
130 grams (4.6 ounces) powdered sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
Pinch of salt
340 grams (12 ounces) flour

Apple Filling

140 grams (5 ounces) peeled green apples
60 grams (2.1 ounces) applesauce
1 teaspoon sugar
1 tablespoon (8 grams) corn starch

Marshmallow

180 grams (6.3 ounces) applesauce
120 grams (4.2 ounces) sugar (#1)
35 grams (1.2 ounces or 1 large) egg whites
100 milliliters (3.4 ounces) water
8 grams (0.28 ounces) agar
250 grams (8.8 ounces) sugar (#2)

Equipment

Mixer
A stand mixer with a paddle attachment will get your dough mixed evenly and with minimal effort.
Rolling Pin
A marble or wooden rolling pin is great for rolling out the dough without it sticking.
Cookie Cutters
Use round cookie cutters to ensure uniform, perfect circles for your sandwiches.
Baking Sheet
Line your baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking and to make cleanup a breeze.
Piping Bag with Nozzle
This will help you neatly place the marshmallow filling onto your cookies with precision.
Oven Thermometer
Make sure your oven temperature is accurate; too high or too low can affect the final texture of your cookies.

Instructions

Step 1

Step 1: Prepare the Shortcrust Pastry Ensure all the ingredients are at room temperature. Using a mixer, blend everything except the flour until smooth. Gradually add the flour and continue mixing for about 30 seconds until just combined. Gather the dough into a ball with your hands and refrigerate it for 2 to 3 hours. If the dough gets too soft while handling, refrigerate it for a bit longer.

Step 2

Step 2: Bake the Cookies Roll out the chilled dough and cut it into circles. If the dough warms up, refrigerate it again briefly. Preheat the oven to 180C (356F). Place the dough circles onto a baking sheet and bake for 8 to 10 minutes until lightly golden. Rotate the baking sheet halfway through baking to ensure the cookies bake evenly.

Step 3

Step 3: Make the Apple Filling Cut the apples into small pieces and cook them in a saucepan until soft. Add the applesauce, sugar, and corn starch, then cook for an additional 3 to 5 minutes until thickened. Gradually add water in small portions to prevent burning. Let the filling cool completely in the refrigerator. For a smoother filling, you can puree the apples before adding the other ingredients.

Step 4

Step 4: Prepare the Marshmallow Preheat your oven to 180C (356F) and bake the apples for 20 to 30 minutes until soft. Once baked, mash the apples into a puree and chill in the refrigerator. This step can be done a day ahead to save time on the day of baking.

Step 5

Step 5: Whip the Marshmallow Mixture In a mixer, whip the chilled apple puree at medium speed for 3 minutes, gradually adding sugar (#1) one tablespoon at a time. Continue whipping for an additional 5 minutes. Add the egg whites and keep whipping. Make sure your bowl and whisk are completely clean to get the best volume from the egg whites.

Step 6

Step 6: Prepare the Agar Syrup In a small saucepan, bring the agar and water to a boil. Add sugar (#2) and cook until the mixture reaches 110C (230F). By this time, the apple puree should be well-whipped. Use a candy thermometer to ensure the syrup reaches the correct temperature.

Step 7

Step 7: Combine the Ingredients Pour the hot syrup into the whipped apple mixture in a thin stream while continuing to whip. Mix for about 3 more minutes. Be very careful when pouring the hot syrup to avoid burns.

Step 8

Step 8: Assemble the Sandwiches Transfer the marshmallow mixture to a piping bag fitted with a nozzle. Pipe marshmallows onto half of the cooled cookies. Add a spoonful of apple filling onto the remaining cookies. Sandwich them together and allow to dry at room temperature before serving. For a touch of elegance, dust the finished sandwiches with powdered sugar.

Servings

Serving these delightful treats? Oh, the possibilities are endless! 🍎✨

For a cozy afternoon tea, place your Apple Marshmallow Sandwiches on a vintage cake stand and pair with a steaming cup of spiced apple cider or a fragrant chamomile tea. The flavors will blend in heavenly harmony!

If you’re going for a more elegant touch, serve them with a side of homemade vanilla ice cream or a delicate berry compote. The coolness of the ice cream or the tartness of the berries will perfectly complement the sweetness of the marshmallow and the buttery pastry.

Having a picnic? Pack these up in a cute, rustic basket alongside a fresh garden salad and a cool bottle of sparkling lemonade. Trust me, they will be the highlight of your outdoor feast! 🍋🥗

And for a truly indulgent experience, drizzle a bit of caramel sauce or a dusting of powdered sugar on top. It adds an extra layer of yum!

Variations

**Going gluten-free or vegan doesn't mean you have to miss out on these scrumptious treats! Here are some variations to suit your dietary needs:**

Gluten-Free Variation 🌾🚫: Replace regular flour with a one-to-one ratio of gluten-free all-purpose flour. Make sure it's a high-quality blend that includes xanthan gum to mimic the elasticity of regular flour.

Vegan Variation 🌱: For the shortcrust pastry, swap the butter with vegan butter and the egg with a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 2.5 tablespoons of water). Use aquafaba (chickpea water) instead of egg whites in the marshmallow.

These changes will help you create a dessert that's not only delicious but also inclusive for everyone at the table! ✨

Faq

Why is my shortcrust pastry dough too sticky?
Your butter might be too warm. Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature but not melted. Chilling the dough longer can also help.
How do I prevent my marshmallow from deflating?
Make sure you whip the egg whites and sugar well, and don't pour the syrup too quickly. Consistent mixing is key.
Can I make the dough in advance?
Yes, you can refrigerate the dough wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 24 hours before using.
How do I ensure my cookies are all the same thickness?
Roll out the dough evenly and consistently, using guidelines or a rolling pin with thickness rings.
Can I add other spices to the apple filling?
Absolutely! Try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to give your apple filling a warm, spicy kick.
How long can I store these sandwiches?
These can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days, but they're best enjoyed fresh.