If you have a craving for something light, elegant, and bursting with berry goodness, then you are going to absolutely adore the Meringue and Raspberry Baskets “Korzinki Recipe”. These delicate, airy meringue shells paired with a buttery, tender basket base are filled with luscious raspberry preserves that create a fantastic balance of tart and sweet. This recipe is a lovely way to impress friends or treat yourself to a dessert that looks as exquisite as it tastes. The Meringue and Raspberry Baskets “Korzinki Recipe” feels like a celebration of simple ingredients coming together in the most delightful way, making it one of my all-time favorite indulgences to share.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because each ingredient plays a special role — from the rich butter adding a tender crumb to the tangy raspberry preserves bringing a pop of color and flavor. The ingredients list is simple, yet every single one is essential for crafting these charming baskets that are as beautiful as they are delicious.
- Eggs (3 whole, 6 whites): Use room temperature eggs for the best meringue volume and tender dough texture.
- Sugar (1 cup for dough, 1 1/2 cups for meringue): Sweetens both the buttery basket dough and the delicate meringue shell perfectly.
- Unsalted butter (2 sticks, 1/2 lb): Adds rich flavor and helps create that melt-in-your-mouth base.
- Baking soda (1/2 tsp): A little leavening to lighten the dough structure just right.
- Mayonnaise (3 1/2 tbsp): Surprising but essential—adds moisture and helps tenderize the dough amazingly.
- All-purpose flour (3 1/2 cups): The sturdy foundation to hold your baskets together perfectly.
- Good raspberry preserves (1 1/2 cups): Choose a quality preserve for vibrant fruity flavor and a glossy finish.
- Lemon juice (1/2 tsp): Enhances the meringue’s glossy shine and adds a subtle tang to balance sweetness.
How to Make Meringue and Raspberry Baskets “Korzinki Recipe”
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Begin by creaming together the room temperature butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step creates the buttery richness crucial for your baskets’ tender crust. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each, then blend in the mayonnaise and baking soda. Slowly incorporate the flour until a soft dough forms. The mayonnaise helps the dough maintain moisture, which is key for a tender yet sturdy base for the meringue topping.
Step 2: Shape the Baskets
Divide the dough into small balls, roughly the size of a walnut. Flatten each slightly and press them gently into mini muffin tins or small basket molds, shaping them so they have a raised edge perfect for holding the filling later. This shaping is the heart of the Meringue and Raspberry Baskets “Korzinki Recipe,” so take a moment to make sure each basket has lovely curves.
Step 3: Make the Meringue
In a clean, dry bowl, whisk the six egg whites with a pinch of lemon juice until soft peaks form. Gradually add the sugar, continuing to whisk to firm, glossy peaks. The lemon juice adds a fresh zing and strengthens the meringue’s texture. Spoon or pipe the meringue over each dough-lined basket, covering the surface with a soft mountain of fluffy clouds ready to become crisp shells.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Bake the baskets and meringue together in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. The outside will become beautifully golden while the meringue firms up into delicate cracks, creating that signature airy crunch. Keep an eye on them; you want a perfect balance between crispness and tender centers. Once baked, allow the baskets to cool fully in the pans before removing them carefully.
Step 5: Fill and Finish
Fill each cooled basket with a generous spoonful of raspberry preserves. The bright red of the jam beautifully contrasts with the white meringue, making these cookies look as good as they taste. The jam adds a sweet tang and a little syrupy softness that complements the crisp and buttery textures splendidly.
How to Serve Meringue and Raspberry Baskets “Korzinki Recipe”
Garnishes
For an extra touch of elegance, dust a bit of powdered sugar over the filled baskets or decorate with a single fresh raspberry on top. A tiny sprig of mint adds a pop of green and a fresh flavor contrast. These little details make serving the Meringue and Raspberry Baskets “Korzinki Recipe” all the more special for guests or a cozy tea time treat.
Side Dishes
These baskets pair wonderfully with a light cup of tea or coffee, balancing the sweetness with warmth and bitterness. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on the side can also elevate this dessert for a celebratory occasion, making each bite feel indulgent yet refreshing.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging the baskets in a pretty circular pattern on a cake stand or tray to create a visual feast. Alternatively, serve them alongside a mixed berry compote or fresh fruit salad for a berry overload experience. You can also drizzle a bit of melted dark chocolate over the baskets for a decadent twist everyone will rave about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These baskets are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Keep the raspberry filling separate if possible to avoid sogginess, adding it just before serving to maintain that crisp-shell texture.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for the Meringue and Raspberry Baskets “Korzinki Recipe” because the delicate meringue tends to become chewy or collapse when thawed. However, you can freeze the unbaked dough balls for up to one month; just thaw before shaping, topping with meringue, and baking fresh.
Reheating
Since this dessert is meant to be enjoyed crisp and fresh, reheating is generally not necessary or advised. If you want to warm them slightly, a very brief stint (less than a minute) in a low oven can help freshen the baked dough, but avoid heating the meringue to preserve its delicate texture.
FAQs
Can I use clear jelly instead of raspberry preserves?
While clear jelly can work, raspberry preserves provide the right balance of sweetness and tartness that complements the buttery baskets and meringue. The seeds and texture of preserves also add a lovely rustic charm that jelly lacks.
Do I need to use mayonnaise in the dough?
Mayonnaise might sound unusual, but it’s key to making the dough tender and moist without adding too much fat. It helps balance the crumb and keeps the baskets from becoming dry or crumbly.
Can I make mini baskets instead of regular-sized?
Absolutely! Mini baskets are adorable and perfect for parties or bite-sized treats. Just adjust the baking time accordingly, as smaller baskets will bake more quickly.
How do I know when the meringue is done baking?
The meringue should be glossy and show slight cracks on top when done. It should feel crisp to the touch but not browned too deeply. Keep a close watch after the first 8 minutes to avoid overbaking.
Can I use egg substitutes in this recipe?
For the meringue, real egg whites are essential to achieve the proper structure and crispness. The dough may accommodate some substitutions, but the classic flavor and texture rely on eggs for the best results.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to create a dessert that is as delightful to make as it is to eat, I can’t recommend the Meringue and Raspberry Baskets “Korzinki Recipe” enough. It’s a charming fusion of textures and flavors, with a beautiful presentation that’s bound to steal the show. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or treating yourself, this recipe brings joy and sweetness in every bite. Give it a try—you might just find this becomes your new favorite go-to dessert to share with loved ones!
Print
Meringue and Raspberry Baskets “Korzinki Recipe
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes initial bake + 7 minutes meringue bake
- Total Time: 57 minutes
- Yield: 108 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Russian
Description
Delight in the delicate sweetness of Meringue and Raspberry Baskets, also known as ‘Korzinki’ – a traditional Russian treat featuring crisp buttery baskets filled with luscious raspberry preserves and topped with light, airy meringue. Perfect for holidays or special occasions, these cookies combine a tender shortbread base with a sweet, fluffy meringue topping, creating a delightful texture and vibrant flavor contrast.
Ingredients
Dough
- 3 eggs (at room temperature)
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 sticks unsalted butter (1/2 lb, at room temperature)
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 3 1/2 Tbsp mayonnaise
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
Filling
- 1 1/2 cups good raspberry preserves
Meringue Topping
- 6 egg whites (at room temperature)
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1/2 tsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the room temperature eggs and sugar. Beat until light and fluffy. Add in the softened butter, baking soda, and mayonnaise, mixing well to ensure a creamy texture. Gradually blend in the all-purpose flour until a soft dough forms. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for about 15-20 minutes to make it easier to handle.
- Shape the baskets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take small portions of dough and form them into thin circles or biscuit shapes. Carefully mold each circle over a greased muffin tin cup to create basket shapes, ensuring the dough covers both the bottom and sides evenly. Bake them in the oven for 10 minutes or until they are a light golden color. Remove from the oven and allow them to cool slightly.
- Prepare the meringue: While the basket bases are baking, beat the egg whites with lemon juice in a clean mixing bowl until soft peaks form. Slowly add sugar while continuing to beat until the meringue is glossy and forms stiff peaks.
- Assemble the baskets: Once the basket shells have cooled, fill each basket with about a teaspoon or more of raspberry preserves. Using a piping bag or spoon, top the filled baskets generously with the prepared meringue.
- Final bake: Return the assembled baskets to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes at the same temperature until the meringue is set and lightly golden on top. Remove and cool completely before serving.
Notes
- Ensure all eggs are at room temperature to achieve the best volume in meringue and dough texture.
- Mayonnaise in the dough helps retain moisture and tenderness in the cookies.
- You can substitute raspberry preserves with any other fruit preserves of your choice.
- Be careful not to overbake the meringue to keep it soft and marshmallow-like inside.
- These baskets can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days for optimal freshness.
