Petit fours, known as Egyptian “patefoor,” are delightful butter cookies often enjoyed for Ramadan and other festive occasions. These elegant biscuits originate from France and have been embraced by Egyptian cuisine, reflecting a blend of Arabic flavors with a touch of chocolate and vanilla. As a simple and easy recipe, it’s perfect for those who cherish old-world charm in their desserts.
Traditionally served for kids and adults alike, these cookies bring joy to gatherings with their decorative elegance.
Vegan variations exist, but this recipe uses rich butter and eggs to achieve a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Let’s embark on making the best petit fours—a treat for all seasons, especially during Ramadan.
Ingredients
- 250 grams unsalted butter (preferably cold)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla powder
- 1 egg at room temperature
- 1 egg yolk at room temperature
- 2 1/2 cups sifted flour
- Additional 2 tablespoons flour (if needed)
For chocolate variation:
- 2 cups flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa
- Additional 2 tablespoons flour (if needed)
- Apricot jam
- White and brown chocolate for dipping
- Decorating options: white coconut, pistachio, pieces of chocolate
Preparation
- Cut the cold butter into small pieces.
- Mix the butter with powdered sugar using a stir tool until well combined.
- Whisk until the mixture is thick and creamy.
- Add vanilla powder, one egg, and one egg yolk at room temperature. Stir well.
- Gradually add 2 1/2 cups sifted flour, stirring until a smooth dough forms. If needed, add extra flour to prevent stickiness.
- Separate dough into two parts. For the chocolate dough, mix 2 cups flour with 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa and additional flour if needed.
- Shape the dough using a pastry bag, leaving space between cookies on a butter-paper-lined tray.
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and bake the cookies until light golden.
- Allow cookies to cool on the tray before decorating.
- Decorate with apricot jam, dip in white or brown melted chocolate, and adorn with coconut, pistachio, or chocolate pieces.
- Refrigerate the cookies before serving for optimal flavor and texture.
Did you know?
Petit fours derive their name from the French term “small oven,” indicating their small, decadent nature perfect for enjoying in moderation. In Egyptian cuisine, these biscuits bear cultural significance, often linked with celebrations and holidays like Ramadan, mirroring their prominent role in Lebanese and other Arabic cuisines.
These cookies can have vegan alternatives by substituting butter and eggs with plant-based ingredients. Additionally, the art of decorating petit fours can be a fun and creative activity for kids and adults alike, making it a bonding experience as well as a culinary one.
Preservation is simple: keep them in an airtight container in the fridge to maintain their texture. When serving for special occasions, you can prepare these ahead of time, ensuring you have more time to enjoy the festivities. Whether you prefer the classic vanilla flavor or the rich chocolate variant, petit fours are an elegant addition to any dessert menu.
