Tuile Cigars are delicate, crisp treats that bring elegance and sophistication to any dessert table. Their light, airy texture shatters with every bite, revealing a subtle sweetness that lingers on the palate. With just 15 minutes of prep and a short chill time, these golden spirals are surprisingly simple to create yet impressively refined. Perfect for pairing with coffee or as a garnish for creamy desserts, they add a touch of artistry to your culinary creations.
The magic of these cigars lies in their balance of simplicity and indulgence. A quick bake transforms the batter into thin, caramelized layers that roll effortlessly into their signature shape. Their buttery aroma and delicate crunch make them irresistible, while the two-hour chill ensures they hold their form beautifully. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or treating yourself, these Tuile Cigars are a delightful way to elevate your dessert game.
Ingredients for Tuile Cigars
- ¾ cup (3¾ oz/105 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (4 oz/115 g) powdered sugar
- 4 large egg whites, at room temperature
- ½ cup (4 oz/115 g) butter, melted (unsalted preferred)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
Step-by-Step Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together the flour and powdered sugar until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the egg whites, melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth.
- Mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until the batter is smooth and lump-free. Cover the batter and refrigerate for 1 hour (or up to 2 days).
- When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with a silicone baking mat and set aside.
- Check the batter’s consistency – it should resemble thick pancake batter. If too thick, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes.
- Bake 2 cookies at a time: For each cookie, place about 2 teaspoons of batter onto the mat. Use the back of a spoon to spread the batter from the center outward into a 5-inch (12½ cm) circle.
- Bake for 5-6 minutes, or until the edges turn golden. Remove the tray from the oven.
- While the tuiles are still hot on the mat, quickly roll them into a cigar shape using your hands or a wooden spoon handle. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, store the tuiles in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay crisp for up to 1 day but remain good for up to 3 days (may soften slightly).
Perfect Pairings: Serving Suggestions
Tuile cigars are a delightful treat on their own, but they can be elevated with a few creative pairings. Serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a simple yet elegant dessert. For a more sophisticated touch, drizzle them with melted chocolate or caramel sauce. They also make a great accompaniment to coffee or tea, adding a crisp, sweet element to your beverage.
Storage Secrets: Keeping Your Tuiles Crisp
To maintain the crispness of your tuile cigars, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and crunchy for up to one day. If they soften slightly after that, they’re still delicious for up to three days. For longer storage, consider freezing them in a single layer in an airtight container, then thawing at room temperature when ready to enjoy.
Time-Saving Tips for Busy Bakers
If you’re short on time, you can prepare the batter ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to two days. When you’re ready to bake, simply bring the batter to room temperature for easier spreading. Additionally, you can bake multiple tuiles at once by using two baking sheets and rotating them halfway through baking. Just be sure to work quickly when rolling them into cigars to prevent them from cooling and becoming too stiff to shape.
Recipe Variations: Get Creative with Flavors
Experiment with different flavors to customize your tuile cigars. Add a teaspoon of citrus zest (like lemon or orange) to the batter for a refreshing twist. For a nutty flavor, mix in a tablespoon of finely ground almonds or hazelnuts. You can also sprinkle the tuiles with a pinch of cinnamon or cocoa powder before baking for a warm, spiced note.
Essential Equipment: Tools for Success
To make the process smoother, ensure you have a silicone baking mat for easy spreading and removal of the tuiles. A wooden spoon handle or a thin rolling pin is perfect for shaping the cigars. If you don’t have a silicone mat, parchment paper can work, but the tuiles may spread slightly differently. A small offset spatula can also help with spreading the batter evenly for consistent results.
Tuile Cigars
Ingredients
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour (3¾ oz/105 g)
- 1 cup powdered sugar (4 oz/115 g)
- 4 large egg whites at room temperature
- ½ cup butter (4 oz/115 g), melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together the flour and sugar.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk the egg whites, butter, vanilla extract and salt until combined.
- Mix the dry and wet ingredients until the batter is smooth, then cover and refrigerate for 1 hour (or up to 2 days).
- When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C), and line a baking sheet with a silicone baking mat and set aside.
- Check the consistency of the batter – it should be like a thick pancake batter.
- Bake only 2 cookies at a time: for each cookie place about 2 teaspoons of batter onto the mat and using the back of a spoon, spread the dough from the center outwards in a circular fashion until you have a circle about 5-inches (12 ½ cm) wide.
- Bake the cookies for 5 -6 minutes, until the edges look golden. Remove the tray from the oven and while the tuiles are on the mat and still hot, quickly roll the cookies into a cigar shape and transfer to a wire rack to cool. (You can roll by hand or use a wooden spoon handle)
- Once the tuiles are completely cool, transfer to an airtight container and keep at room temperature. Tuile will stay crisp for up to one day if properly stored. After this they may soften a bit but will still be good for up to 3 days.
