Hello, Good News! Are you looking for a new cookie recipe to try this Christmas season? If so, you might want to check out the kismet cookie recipe. Kismet cookies are soft and chewy oatmeal cookies with coconut, cranberries, and macadamia nuts. They are not only tasty, but also have a special meaning behind them.
Kismet means fate or destiny in Turkish, and these cookies are said to bring good luck and love to those who eat them. According to a legend, if you sleep with a kismet cookie under your pillow on Christmas Eve, you will dream of your one true love. Sounds romantic, right? Whether you believe in the legend or not, kismet cookies are a fun and festive treat to make and share with your friends and family. In this article, we will show you how to make kismet cookies step by step, and also share some interesting facts and tips about them.
What You Need to Make Kismet Cookies
Ingredients
To make kismet cookies, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 3/4 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda
- 14 tablespoons of unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup of packed dark brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 1 large egg yolk
- 2 cups of rolled oats
- 3/4 cup of shredded coconut
- 1 1/2 cups of dried cranberries
- 3/4 cup of chopped macadamia nuts, toasted (optional)
You can also add some chocolate chips or white chocolate chips if you like. Some people also like to drizzle some melted chocolate over the cookies after they are baked.
Equipment
To make kismet cookies, you will need the following equipment:
- A medium bowl
- A whisk
- A 10-inch skillet
- A heat-proof spatula or spoon
- A large heat-proof bowl
- A rubber spatula or wooden spoon
- A measuring cup and spoons
- A knife and a cutting board (if using macadamia nuts)
- A baking sheet or two
- Parchment paper or a silicone baking mat
- A cooling rack
- A sifter or a fine-mesh strainer (if using cocoa powder)
How to Make Kismet Cookies Step by Step
Step 1: Whisk the Flour and Baking Soda Together
The first step to make kismet cookies is to whisk the flour and baking soda together in a medium bowl. This will help to evenly distribute the leavening agent and prevent lumps in the dough. Set the bowl aside for later use.
Step 2: Brown the Butter in a Skillet
The next step is to brown the butter in a 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat. This will give the cookies a rich and nutty flavor. To brown the butter, melt it in the skillet and then continue cooking, swirling the pan constantly, until it turns a dark golden brown and has a nutty aroma. This will take about 2-3 minutes. Be careful not to burn the butter, as it can go from browned to burnt very quickly.
Step 3: Transfer the Browned Butter to a Large Bowl and Add the Remaining Butter, Sugar, Salt, and Vanilla
Once the butter is browned, use a heat-proof spatula or spoon to transfer it to a large heat-proof bowl. Stir in the remaining butter until it is completely melted. Then add the brown sugar, salt, and vanilla and whisk until fully incorporated. The mixture should be smooth and shiny.
Step 4: Add the Egg and Egg Yolk and Whisk for Several Minutes
The next step is to add the egg and egg yolk to the butter mixture and whisk until smooth. Then let the mixture stand for 3 minutes, then whisk again for 30 seconds. Repeat this process of whisking and resting 2 more times until the mixture is thick, smooth, and shiny. This will help to create a chewy texture for the cookies.
Step 5: Stir in the Flour Mixture Until Just Combined
Using a rubber spatula or wooden spoon, stir in the flour mixture that you prepared earlier until just combined. Do not overmix the dough, as this can make the cookies tough and dry. You should still see some streaks of flour in the dough.
Step 6: Stir in the Oats, Coconut, Cranberries, and Macadamia Nuts
The final step to make the cookie dough is to stir in the oats, coconut, cranberries, and macadamia nuts. These ingredients will add some texture, flavor, and color to the cookies. You can also add some chocolate chips or white chocolate chips if you like. Give the dough a final stir to ensure no flour pockets remain.
Step 7: Refrigerate the Dough Until Firm
Before baking the cookies, you need to refrigerate the dough until it is firm. This will help to prevent the cookies from spreading too much and losing their shape in the oven. It will also enhance the flavor and texture of the cookies. Refrigerate the dough for at least 2-3 hours, or overnight if possible.
Step 8: Preheat the Oven and Line the Baking Sheets
When you are ready to bake the cookies, preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. These will prevent the cookies from sticking to the pan and make them easier to remove.
Step 9: Drop the Dough by Spoonfuls on the Prepared Baking Sheets
Using a tablespoon or a cookie scoop, drop the dough by spoonfuls on the prepared baking sheets. Leave about 2 inches of space between each cookie, as they will spread slightly in the oven. You should be able to fit about 12 cookies per sheet.
Step 10: Bake Until Golden Brown and Set
Bake one sheet at a time in the preheated oven until the cookies are golden brown and still puffy, about 10-14 minutes. The edges should be set but the centers should be still soft. Rotate the baking sheet halfway through baking for even browning.
Step 11: Cool on a Wire Rack
Once the cookies are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 1 minute. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. You can enjoy them warm or at room temperature, or store them in an airtight container for up to a week.
Step 12: Drizzle with Melted Chocolate (Optional)
If you want to make your kismet cookies even more decadent, you can drizzle some melted chocolate over them after they are cooled. You can use milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or white chocolate, depending on your preference. To melt the chocolate, you can use a microwave-safe bowl or a double boiler. Then use a fork or a piping bag to drizzle the chocolate over the cookies. Let the chocolate set before serving or storing.
A Detailed Table Breakdown of Kismet Cookies
To help you understand more about kismet cookies, we have prepared a detailed table breakdown of their ingredients, nutrition facts, history, and variations. You can use this table as a reference when making or enjoying kismet cookies.
| Ingredient | Nutrition Facts | History | Variations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flour | A source of carbohydrates, protein, iron, and B vitamins. | The main ingredient of most baked goods, flour is made from ground grains such as wheat, rye, barley, or oats. | You can use different types of flour for different results, such as whole wheat flour for more fiber, almond flour for more protein, or gluten-free flour for those with allergies. |
| Baking Soda | A leavening agent that helps the cookies rise and become light and airy. | Baking soda is a chemical compound that reacts with acidic ingredients such as brown sugar or vinegar to produce carbon dioxide gas. | You can substitute baking soda with baking powder if you don’t have it, but you may need to adjust the amount and add some acid to activate it. |
| Butter | A source of fat, calories, cholesterol, and vitamin A. | Butter is made from churning cream until it separates into solid and liquid parts. It adds richness and flavor to baked goods. | You can use margarine or vegetable oil instead of butter if you want to reduce saturatedfat and calories, or use vegan butter if you are dairy-free. |
| Brown Sugar | A source of carbohydrates, calories, and molasses. | Brown sugar is white sugar that has been coated with molasses, a dark and sticky by-product of sugar refining. It adds moisture and caramel flavor to baked goods. | You can use white sugar instead of brown sugar if you don’t have it, but you may need to add some liquid to the dough to prevent it from being too dry. You can also use honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar for a natural sweetener. |
| Salt | A source of sodium and chloride. | Salt is a mineral that enhances the flavor of food and balances the sweetness of baked goods. | You can use different types of salt for different results, such as sea salt for more minerals, kosher salt for less sodium, or flavored salt for more taste. |
| Vanilla Extract | A source of flavor and aroma. | Vanilla extract is a liquid made from soaking vanilla beans in alcohol and water. It adds a subtle and warm flavor to baked goods. | You can use different types of vanilla extract for different results, such as pure vanilla extract for more quality, imitation vanilla extract for more affordability, or vanilla bean paste for more intensity. |
| Egg | A source of protein, fat, cholesterol, and lecithin. | Egg is an animal product that binds the ingredients together and adds structure and richness to baked goods. | You can use different parts of the egg for different results, such as egg white for more lightness, egg yolk for more creaminess, or whole egg for more balance. You can also use vegan egg substitutes such as flaxseed meal, chia seeds, or aquafaba if you are egg-free. |
| Oats | A source of carbohydrates, fiber, protein, and antioxidants. | Oats are a cereal grain that are processed into rolled oats, steel-cut oats, or oat flour. They add texture and nutrition to baked goods. | You can use different types of oats for different results, such as rolled oats for more chewiness, steel-cut oats for more crunchiness, or oat flour for more smoothness. You can also use gluten-free oats if you are gluten-free. |
| Coconut | A source of fat, calories, fiber, and lauric acid. | Coconut is a tropical fruit that is shredded or flaked into coconut meat. It adds sweetness and coconut flavor to baked goods. | You can use different forms of coconut for different results, such as shredded coconut for more texture, flaked coconut for more appearance, or coconut milk for more moisture. You can also use unsweetened coconut if you want to reduce sugar. |
| Cranberries | A source of carbohydrates, fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants. | Cranberries are a berry that are dried or fresh. They add tartness and color to baked goods. | You can use different forms of cranberries for different results, such as dried cranberries for more convenience, fresh cranberries for more juiciness, or cranberry sauce for more sweetness. You can also use other dried fruits such as raisins, cherries, or apricots if you prefer. |
| Macadamia Nuts | A source of fat, calories, protein, and minerals. | Macadamia nuts are a tree nut that are native to Australia. They add crunch and nutty flavor to baked goods. | You can use different forms of macadamia nuts for different results, such as chopped macadamia nuts for more texture, whole macadamia nuts for more presentation, or macadamia nut butter for more creaminess. You can also use other nuts such as walnuts, pecans, or almonds if you like. |
| Chocolate | A source of fat, calories, sugar, and antioxidants. | Chocolate is a product made from roasted and ground cacao beans. It adds sweetness and chocolate flavor to baked goods. | You can use different types of chocolate for different results, such as milk chocolate for more creaminess, dark chocolate for more bitterness, or white chocolate for more sweetness. You can also use cocoa powder if you want to add chocolate flavor without adding extra fat or sugar. |
FAQs About Kismet Cookies
Kismet cookies are a relatively new invention that have no clear origin. Some sources claim that they were created by a Turkish baker who wanted to share his culture and love with his customers. Others say that they were inspired by the oatmeal cranberry white chocolate chip cookies from Starbucks, which are also known as “bliss bars”. Regardless of their origin, kismet cookies have become a popular treat among cookie lovers who enjoy their soft and chewy texture and their festive ingredients.
How do you pronounce kismet?
Kismet is pronounced as “kiz-met”, with the stress on the first syllable. The word comes from the Turkish word “kısmet”, which means fate or destiny. It is also related to the Arabic word “qisma”, which means portion or lot.
Kismet cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months. To freeze them, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag or container. To thaw them, let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before enjoying.
To make kismet cookies vegan, you need to replace the butter, egg, and chocolate with vegan alternatives. For the butter, you can use vegan butter or coconut oil. For the egg, you can use a vegan egg substitute such as flaxseed meal, chia seeds, or aquafaba. For the chocolate, you can use vegan chocolate chips or bars that do not contain any dairy or animal products.
To make kismet cookies gluten-free, you need to replace the flour with a gluten-free flour blend that contains xanthan gum or guar gum. These gums will help to bind the dough and prevent it from falling apart. You also need to make sure that the oats, coconut, cranberries, macadamia nuts, and chocolate are gluten-free and not contaminated with any gluten-containing grains.
To make kismet cookies healthier, you can reduce the amount of sugar and butter in the recipe. You can also use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for more fiber and nutrients. You can also add some flaxseed meal or chia seeds to the dough for more omega-3 fatty acids and protein. You can also use unsweetened coconut and dried cranberries instead of sweetened ones for less sugar.
To make kismet cookies more festive, you can decorate them with some sprinkles, icing, or candy. You can also shape them into different forms such as stars, hearts, or trees. You can also use different colors of chocolate chips or cranberries for more variety and fun.
Kismet cookies are also known as fate cookies, destiny cookies, dream cookies, or bliss bars. You can call them whatever you like, as long as they bring you joy and happiness.
Oatmeal cookies are a classic type of cookie that can be made with various ingredients and flavors. Some other types of oatmeal cookies are oatmeal raisin cookies, oatmeal chocolate chip cookies, oatmeal peanut butter cookies, oatmeal banana cookies, oatmeal apple cookies, and oatmeal pumpkin cookies. You can also add spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger to your oatmeal cookies for more warmth and aroma.
Christmas cookies are a traditional type of cookie that are made and enjoyed during the Christmas season. Some other types of Christmas cookies are gingerbread cookies, sugar cookies, shortbread cookies, snickerdoodles, thumbprint cookies, linzer cookies, and peppermint cookies. You can also make your own Christmas cookie recipes by using your favorite ingredients and shapes.
Conclusion
Kismet cookies are a delicious and festive type of cookie that are perfect for the Christmas season. They are soft and chewy oatmeal cookies with coconut, cranberries, macadamia nuts, and chocolate. They are also said to bring good luck and love to those who eat them. In this article, we have shown you how to make kismet cookies step by step, and also shared some interesting facts and tips about them. We hope you enjoyed this article and learned something new. If you did, please share it with your friends and family. And don’t forget to check out our other articles for more amazing cookie recipes. Happy baking!