Are you looking for an easy and delicious cookie recipe? Look no further than ladyfinger cookies! These cookies are perfect for any occasion, and they are so simple to make. Plus, they have a great texture and flavor that everyone will love. So what are you waiting for? Give this recipe a try today!
Lady finger cookies
Do you love delicate and delicious ladyfinger cookies? If so, you’re going to love this recipe. These simple cookies are perfect for any occasion, and they’re a great way to show off your baking skills. Best of all, they’re easy to make!
These adorable crispy bites of sponge cake might not seem like much on their own (although I personally enjoy them occasionally with a glass of cold milk). But this amazing Italian staple is what makes the Tiramisu cake such a special dessert!
And Tiramisu is not the only dessert where these Italian lady finger cookies truly bring out their magic! They can be used in trifles too! And if you thought these little bites of heaven can only be purchased in stores, I’ve got news for you! You can easily bake your own ladyfinger cookies recipe!
More cookie recipes you will love:
Why is lady finger called lady finger?
You may be wondering why these cookies are called “ladyfinger cookies”. The name actually comes from the shape and size of the cookie, which resembles a lady’s finger.
Some also believe that the name could have originated from the French word “langue de chat” meaning “cat’s tongue”, as the cookies are long and thin like a cat’s tongue.
Regardless of the origin, there’s no denying that these cookies have a unique and elegant shape that adds to their charm.
What kind of cookie is a lady finger?
A lady finger is a type of sponge cake. The egg whites are beaten to soft peaks and then the yolks and sugar are beaten separately until pale and fluffy. Then the egg whites are folded into the yolk fluff, incorporating as much air as possible. After this, the flour is folded in gently.
The mixture is then piped into long logs on a baking sheet and baked until crisp. These cookies got their name because of their finger-like shape.
What is the difference between a ladyfinger and a sponge cake?
The main difference between these two cakes is that a ladyfinger is the texture. The sponge cake is softer in texture than ladyfingers and moister while ladyfingers have a crispier exterior and a soft interior although not as moist as the sponge cake. The ladyfingers have a lighter, spongier texture than a sponge cake.
Are lady fingers the same as sponge fingers?
Yes, lady fingers and sponge fingers are the same thing. They are both types of sponge cake that are leavened with eggs.
What is the texture of a lady finger?
A lady finger has a light, spongy yet crispy texture that is similar to a sponge cake.
Are Lady Fingers crunchy?
No, lady fingers are not crunchy. They are light and spongy with a slightly crisp exterior.
What do ladyfingers taste like?
Ladyfingers have a subtle sweetness with a hint of vanilla. They are often soaked in coffee or liquor, which gives them a slightly boozy flavor.
Can you eat ladyfingers plain?
Yes, you can eat ladyfingers plain. They are often eaten as a snack with milk or coffee. You can also use them in sweet dips.
Why are my lady fingers soft?
If your lady fingers are soft, it could be because they were not cooked long enough. They should be cooked until they are golden brown and slightly crisp on the outside. Another reason could be that too much moisture was used when making the batter. Be sure to measure the ingredients precisely.
Also bare in mind that these cookies are quite soft right out of the oven. They’ll get crispier as they cool at room temperature.
What to use lady finger cookies for?
Lady fingers can be used in many different desserts, such as tiramisu, trifles, and charlottes. They can also be eaten plain as a snack or dipped in coffee or liquor.
They can also replace other cookies or biscuits in layered cakes and other desserts.
What is a substitute for ladyfingers in tiramisu?
The spongy, airy but crisp lady finger cookies are what makes the Tiramisu cake such a special dessert! Add these amazing lady finger biscuits to your baking collection with this simple and easy to make recipe!
But if you cannot find ladyfingers, you can substitute other types of sponge cake or biscuits. However, the texture and flavor will be different from traditional tiramisu. Ladyfinger cookies are what makes tiramisu so special, so it is best to use them if you can.
Are lady finger cookies gluten free?
Most lady finger cookies are not gluten free because they contain wheat flour. However, you can find gluten free lady fingers at some specialty stores. You can also make your own gluten free lady fingers by using a gluten free flour blend.
Are ladyfingers high in calories?
The exact number of calories in ladyfingers will depend on the recipe and serving size. However, most ladyfingers are relatively low in calories compared to other desserts, as they are very airy. As with any food, moderation is key when it comes to calorie intake. The exact calorie count as well as other nutrition facts such as vitamin, sodium, potassium, calcium etc are in the recipe card below.
What is the shelf life of ladyfingers?
Ladyfingers will last for about 2-3 weeks at room temperature in an airtight container.
Can you freeze lady finger cookies?
Yes, you can freeze lady finger cookies. Place them in an airtight container and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for a couple of hours before using in desserts.
Tips for the perfect homemade ladyfingers
I realize it may seem intimidating to bake these ladyfinger cookies, I had the same feeling and postponed making this recipe for ages (literally). Little I knew, the main secret of having big success with this recipe is…the air! Yup! Much like these French cream puffs, the tiramisu lady fingers need air to bake so light and spongy!
The sponge interior and the crisp exterior is what makes this lady finger cookies recipe so special and so easy to achieve! All you need to do is beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form and the egg yolks until pale and fluffy.
The flour needs to be sifted and then gently folded into the batter. Another little secret about this crispy lady fingers recipe is how careful you bake them: no cold air is to enter the oven when baking so please do your best and refrain from taking a peek while this awesomeness bakes in the oven!
A little side note: when they’re fresh out of the oven, these cookies are quite delicate on the inside and just a little crisp on the outside. While you leave them to cool completely they’ll firm up and get crispier and spongy on the inside.
Can I add any flavors to my lady finger cookie batter?
Yes, you can add in different extracts such as lemon or almond for recipe variations and to give your ladyfingers a unique flavor. You can also sprinkle on some cinnamon, cocoa powder, or nuts for added texture and taste.
Can I make these cookies without eggs?
Traditionally, lady fingers are made with eggs as they provide the light and airy texture. However, there are some egg-free alternatives available that use ingredients like aquafaba (the liquid from a can of chickpeas) or ground flaxseeds as a substitute. These may alter the texture and flavor slightly, but they are still a viable option for those with egg allergies or dietary restrictions.
Can I make these cookies in advance or should they be eaten immediately?
Lady fingers can be made in advance and stored in an airtight container for up to 2-3 weeks. This makes them perfect for making ahead of time for special occasions or when you need a quick dessert option. However, they are best eaten within a few days of being made.
What is the traditional way to serve ladyfingers?
Ladyfingers are often used in desserts like tiramisu or trifles. However, they can also be enjoyed as a snack on their own or dipped in coffee or tea. They are also commonly used as a garnish for ice cream or pudding. Here are some other recipes you can make with ladyfingers:
- Christmas eggnog tiramisu
- No bake banana split dessert
- Chocolate mousse cake (great for using up all those chocolates from Halloween)
- Apple tiramisu (I used Savoiardi here, but homemade ladyfingers are just as great)
- Raspberry tiramisu
So if you’re in the mood for something sweet and want to impress your guests, this lady finger cookies recipe is definitely for you. These cookies are light and airy with a crispy exterior and a sponge-like interior – perfect for making tiramisu or any other dessert that calls for lady fingers. Best of all, they’re easy to make! So what are you waiting for? Let’s get baking!
Ladyfingers recipe
What are ladyfinger cookies made of?
- large eggs (we prefer free range)
- granulated sugar
- salt
- vanilla extract
- all purpose flour
- cornstarch
- optional – lemon zest
- powdered sugar for dusting
Equipment:
- 2 cookie sheets
- baking paper
- large bowl
- standing mixer
- hand mixer
- silicone spatula
- small whisk
- large pastry bag fitted with a 1/2-inch round piping tip
If you want to bake your ladyfingers to perfection and have them look like they’re bought from the store instead of homemade, use this silicone mold to bake them.
How to make lady finger cookies?
Prepare the equipment and tools
1. Adjust the oven rack to the middle position and preheat to 350°F.
2. Line two cookie sheets with baking or parchment paper.
3. Fit a large piping bag with a 1/2-inch round tip. Roll the bag open and stand upright in a tall glass or jar so it can be filled hands-free.
Beat the eggs
4. Separate the eggs, place the yolks in a large mixing bowl and the whites in a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment.
5. Using a hand mixer, whip the egg yolks with half the sugar, until pale and fluffy.
6. Beat in vanilla extract.
7. Fold in the lemon zest (optional) using the silicone spatula.
8. Whip the egg whites on medium-high speed, until fluffy. Once light and fluffy, slowly add the remaining sugar while continuing whipping. Whip until stiff peaks form. This is crucial as if the foam is unable to hold soft peaks, the lady fingers will spread flat in the oven!
9. Using a silicone spatula, gently fold in the whipped whites into the egg yolk mixture, taking care not to deflate all of the incorporated air.
Add dry ingredients
10. Mix flour with cornstarch and salt using a small whisk.
11. Slowly add the flour mix into the egg mixture, folding gently with a spatula to combine in a thick batter.
12. Transfer to the piping bag, twist to close, and pipe fingers of about 3″ x 1″, leaving 1″ between each one. Hold the bag at an angle when pipping and firmly lift the bag straight up when finishing pipping.
Bake the lady finger cookies
13. Dust the cookies with powdered sugar and bake until puffed and a little golden, 12 to 15 minutes.
14. Bake the second baking sheet in a similar way.
15. Cool the cookies completely in the tray, at room temperature.
Storage
16. Transfer to an airtight container if not used immediately as they’ll begin softening in the air.
17. Use immediately or store in an airtight container, at room temperature for up to 3 weeks.
If you want to enjoy the best tiramisu you’ve ever had, make sure to use this recipe for the ladyfingers! You won’t be disappointed. Let me know how it turns out in the comments below!!
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Ladyfinger cookies
Equipment
- baking paper or parchment paper
- small whisk
- large piping bag fitted with a 1/2-inch round tip
- ladyfingers mold optional
Ingredients
- 3 large eggs free range
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- pinch of salt
- 1/4 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup all purpose flour sifted
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp lemon zest optional
- powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Adjust oven rack to middle position and preheat to 350°F.
- Line two cookie sheets with baking paper.
- Fit a large piping bag with a 1/2-inch round tip. Roll the bag open and stand upright in a tall glass or jar so it can be filled hands-free.
- Separate the eggs, place the yolks in a large bowl and the whites in a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment.
- Using a hand mixer, whip the egg yolks with half the sugar, until pale and fluffy.
- Beat in vanilla extract.
- Fold in the lemon zest (optional) using the silicone spatula.
- Whip the egg whites on medium-high speed, until fluffy. Once light and fluffy, slowly add the rest of the sugar while continuing whipping. Whip until stiff peaks form. This is crucial as if the foam is unable to hold soft peaks, the lady fingers will spread flat in the oven!
- Using a silicone spatula, gently fold in the whipped whites into the yolk fluff, taking care not to deflate all of the incorporated air.
- Mix flour with cornstarch and salt using a small whisk.
- Add the flour mix slowly, folding gently with a spatula to combine in a lump free batter.
- Transfer to the piping bag, twist to close, and pipe fingers of about 3" x 1", leaving 1" between each one. Hold the bag at an angle when pipping and firmly lift the bag straight up when finishing pipping.
- Dust the cookies with powdered sugar and bake until puffed and a little golden, 12 to 15 minutes.
- Bake the second tray in a similar way.
- Cool the cookies completely in the tray, at room temperature.
- Transfer to an airtight container, if not used immediately as they'll begin softening in the air.
- Use immediately or store in an airtight container, at room temperature for up to 3 weeks.
Dixie says
I love this recipe! Was easy to follow and my lady fingers came out perfect😊
Edie says
Great recipe! Followed the directions exactly and they came out wonderfully.
I used almond flavoring instead of vanilla.
petro says
That’s awesome, Edie! Thanks so much for letting me know!
Kristina says
Just amazing!