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Merunky Matcha Polvorones and Awesome Christmas Cookie Recipes

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Merunky Matcha Polvorones (Apricot and Green Tea Shortbreads) by @SpicieFoodie

Today’s recipe is a fusion of flavors and international words. Merunky is the Czech word for apricots and ever since I first heard it that is what like to call them. Matcha is a fine powder made from ground Japanese green tea. Polvorónes is the Spanish plural form of polvorón -which are shortbread cookies. Often times polvorónes are referred to as Mexican wedding cookies which are made with ground pecans. This version of mine doesn’t include nuts but the recipe is pretty much the same.

Merunky Matcha Polvorones (Apricot and Green Tea Shortbreads) by Spicie Foodie

Last Spring I not only declared my love for polvorónes but also shared a fusion recipe. That version was made using ground black sesame seeds. If you’ve never baked with black sesame seeds you simply must give it a try. And if you’ve never tasted, drank, cooked or baked with Matcha then drop what you’re doing and go buy some…seriously I mean it. Matcha is the best tasting and smelling green tea and it makes a fantastic ingredient for many culinary purposes. Compared to other teas its expensive but so very well worth it. (You can buy it here Ujinotsuyu Matcha Hagoromo Green Tea Powder In Tin)

Merunky Matcha Polvorones (Apricot and Green Tea Shortbreads) by Spicie Foodie

The velvety green powder pairs perfectly with the sweet and tangy dried apricots. I would go as far as saying it is a match made in culinary heaven. Now you combine that match with the nirvana that is shortbread cookies and well you might just faint from excitement. I nearly did…then I ate four two (ahem) more cookies and came to. Have I ever told you how much I love shortbread cookies? I love them so much that if anyone tries to eat the last one I may physically threaten them…just ask my husband about the time he tried to eat my the last Walkers Shortbread. The fact that he stands a whole foot above didn’t deter me, because no one takes my last shortbread…no one! (cuckoo) We’ll enough about my crazy side let’s get to the recipe.

 

4.9 from 9 reviews
Merunky Matcha Polvorones (Apricot and Green Tea Shortbread Cookies)
 
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A fusion Mexican polovoron or shortbread cookie. Made using dried apricots and Japanese Matcha tea. They are the perfect accompaniment to your coffee or tea.
Author:
Recipe type: Dessert, Snack, Cookies
Cuisine: Mexican, Asian, Fusion
Serves: Makes 12 extra small cookies
Ingredients
  • ½ cup all purpose flour
  • ¼ cup melted unsalted butter
  • ⅛ cup white sugar
  • pinch of salt
  • 2 tsp Matcha powder
  • 6 whole dried apricots (or to taste), finely chopped
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 180 c or 356f and line a cookie sheet with baking paper. In a large bowl mix together the flour, sugar, salt, matcha, and apricots until well combined. Pour the melted butter while stirring. Gather the crumbly dough and place on floured surface. Flatten out to an even level and use cookie cutter to cutout cookie shapes. Place on baking sheet and continue until all the dough has been used up.
  2. Bake in center of oven for 8-10 minutes. Check after 8 minutes and do not allow cookies to brown. Allow to cool before scarfing down. :)
Notes
*Note: To keep myself from over-eating these buttery cookies, to attempt to keep them healthy I roll out the dough thinner. That way I end up with more cookies in a small batch and satisfy the craving. Please feel free to double, triple the recipe and thickness if desired.*
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Merunky Matcha Polvorones (Apricot and Green Tea Shortbreads) by Spicie Foodie

Anyone else feeling faint? I think I need another cookie. While I get my cookie(s) you go check out these awesome cookie recipes. They are all unique and would make a great addition to your Christmas cookie platters.

Basler Läckerli or Gingerbread The Swiss Way by Rosa's Yummy Yums
Basler Läckerli or Gingerbread The Swiss Way by Rosa’s Yummy Yums

Green Tea & White Chocolate Cookies by Just One Cookbook
Green Tea & White Chocolate Cookies by Just One Cookbook

Chocolate Cookies by Lemons and Anchovies
Chocolate Cookies by Lemons and Anchovies

Speculoos with Nutella Sandwich Cookies by Patty's Food
Speculoos with Nutella Sandwich Cookies by Patty’s Food

Ginger and Cardamom Cookies by SPCookie Queen
Ginger and Cardamom Cookies by SPCookie Queen

Simple Molasses Cookies by Thyme
Simple Molasses Cookies by Thyme

Springerle Cookies by Cooking Melangery
Springerle Cookies by Cooking Melangery

Orange, Chocolate & Coconut Cookies by Stands of My Life
Orange, Chocolate & Coconut Cookies by Stands of My Life

Cinnamon Chip, Maple, & Oatmeal Cookies by Tutti Dolci
Cinnamon Chip, Maple, & Oatmeal Cookies by Tutti Dolci

Cranberry Bliss Cookies by Gimme Some Oven
Cranberry Bliss Cookies by Gimme Some Oven

Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting by Diethood
Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting by Diethood

Mini Maple-Cinnamon-Walnut Turnover Cookies by An Edible Mosaic
Mini Maple-Cinnamon-Walnut Turnover Cookies by An Edible Mosaic

Puerquitos (Marranitos / Mexican Pig-Shaped Cookies) by Girlichef
Puerquitos (Marranitos / Mexican Pig-Shaped Cookies) by Girlichef

Chocolate Crinkle Kiss Cookies by Bakergirl
Chocolate Crinkle Kiss Cookies by Bakergirl

Classic Macaroons by That Skinny Chick Can Bake!!!
Classic Macaroons by That Skinny Chick Can Bake!!!

 

Thank you girls sharing your beautiful cookie photos and yummy recipes! Have a great weekend and happy baking.

 

Yummy Pics: A Food Blogger's Guide to Better Photos, Photography eBook by Spicie Foodie

 

Comments

  2. These are SO pretty! I have always wanted to use Matcha powder, but can’t find it locally. I’ think I’m going to have to break down and order some online. This soft green against the orange of the apricots is just stunning. And yeah, Merunky is a fantastic word. Your round-up of other Christmas cookies is equally mouthwatering, Nancy…thanks so much for including my Puerquitos! :)

  4. Your cookies look amazing… just as everything else that you make. Beautiful!!

    Thank you so much for featuring my cookies…means a lot to me!
    I really appreciate it!

  5. You have amazing collection of cookies here, I love them all. The photos, the recipes, everything is so beautiful. I am very happy to be a part of it. Thank you Nancy!

  6. You picked some really pretty cookies to go with your gorgeous shortbreads (thanks for including mine, too!). :) I have been meaning to order matcha powder but always end up forgetting. Not anymore. I want to make these. I’m intrigued by the matcha and apricot combination–now I have to try them! :)

  8. Very unique shortbread cookies-I love the flavors and colors, so pretty!
    Great Christmas cookie round up- thanks for including my speculoos with nutella sandwich cookies;-) I’m off to check out all these amazing cookies!

  9. Thanks for including me amongst all these wonderful recipes. I love Merunky, I thought maybe it meant extra funky, lol. Funky in a good way, lol. I need to order some powder, the Asian grocer is too far now. That pig is too cute. Have a wonderful weekend. Looks like I need to make some new cookies, huh.
    -Gina-

  11. I really love your fusion cookies! I see a lot of fusion food but when it comes to dessert, not so much. I’m a big fan of matcha (well you know me) and your cookies look and sound fantastic! And oh my, what an awesome cookie collection here! I cannot thank you enough for including my Green tea cookie. Thank you Nancy! xo

  13. This green tea powder looks wonderful… I would love to try it. :) Love all the other cookie links. Have a great weekend. :)

  15. fell in love with your black sesame version earlier this year – can’t wait to try these! they look stunning!

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