What are Tiger Nuts?
Despite their name, tiger nuts aren’t actually nuts at all—they’re small tubers that grow underground. Known for their sweet, nutty flavor and nutritional benefits, they have been used in various culinary traditions for centuries. Tiger nuts are naturally gluten-free, making them a great choice for those with dietary restrictions.
Recipe: Tiger Nut Cut-Out Sugar Cookies
Adapted from The Bojon Gourmet
Ingredients:
- 1 cup tiger nut flour
- 1 cup mochiko flour
- 1 cup oat flour, plus more for dusting
- ¼ cup tapioca starch
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 12 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 recipe icing of choice
Instructions:
Prepare the Dough: In a medium bowl, whisk together tiger nut flour, mochiko flour, oat flour, tapioca starch, and baking powder.
Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine butter, sugar, and salt. Beat until smooth and creamy.
Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
Chill the Dough: Divide the dough in half and shape each half into a disk. Wrap them in parchment or plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30-60 minutes, until firm.
Roll and Cut Out Cookies: Preheat your oven to 350ºF. Dust a piece of parchment paper with oat flour. Roll out one disk of dough to about 1/8 inch thickness on the floured parchment, dusting with more oat flour as needed to prevent sticking. Cut out desired shapes and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Repeat with the second disk of dough.
Bake the Cookies: Bake one sheet of cookies at a time on the upper third rack of your oven until the edges are golden, about 15 minutes. Transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Decorate: Once cooled, ice the cookies using your favorite icing recipe.
Why Tiger Nuts?
Tiger nut flour adds a lovely texture and subtle sweetness to these cookies, making them both delicious and nutritious. They’re packed with fiber, healthy fats, and essential nutrients, making them a great choice for those looking to incorporate more nutrient-dense ingredients into their baking.
Final Thoughts
These Tiger Nut Cut-Out Sugar Cookies are not only a treat for the taste buds but also a fun way to experiment with alternative flours in your baking adventures. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply indulging your sweet tooth, give these cookies a try—they’re sure to be a hit!
Have you ever baked with tiger nuts before? What’s your favorite cookie recipe? Share your thoughts and baking experiences in the comments below! Happy baking!
