Welsh Cookies

Why this Welsh Cookie Recipe is a Keeper

This recipe for welsh cookies is a tradition in the area I live in near Scranton, Pennsylvania. My grandmother and her friends make them to this day as a church fundraiser. There is a large population from Wales that came to work as miners.

• Easy Ingredients: It uses common ingredients you often have on hand to make welsh cookies.
• Family Favorite: Everyone in the family loves this traditional cookie as much as they like a chocolate chip cookie.
• Adaptable: With a few simple swaps for the lard instead of other fat, traditionally they use lard but this recipe calls for butter.
• Special Occasion Worthy: It’s impressive enough to serve at a gathering or holiday.
• Freezes Well: It’s great for making ahead and freezing for later.
• Crowd-Pleaser: It’s a hit with guests, making it ideal for entertaining. So make several batches.
• Seasonal: It makes the most of seasonal ingredients and flavors. It is also awesome for gift giving and so delicious filled with currants.

How do you make a Welsh cakes?

Traditionally, Welsh cakes were cooked on a bakestone, a flat, round stone heated over an open fire. This method gave them a unique texture and flavor. Today, they’re often cooked on a griddle or frying pan, but the essence of the traditional method remains.

Ingredient Notes for Welsh Cookies aka Welsh Cakes

You have to try this recipe if you are looking for something different and not too sweet. These little welsh treats are a tribute to my grandma’s old recipe.

• Currants: Dried currants are key. They are sweet and slightly chewy.
• Flour: All purpose flour.
• Nutmeg: Fresh is best but you can use ground nutmeg.

See the recipe card below for a complete list of the ingredients with measurements.

Special Equipment Needed for the Welsh Cookies

• Skillet or griddle: To bake these tempting little cookies you will need a non stick skillet or griddle.

How to Make this Welsh Cookie Recipe

These are the basic steps for making Welsh Cakes. Refer to the full, printable recipe card below for detailed instructions. Welsh Cookies or Welsh cakes are a beautiful traditional tea cookie that is perfect for the holidays or any time you want a quick and easy treat. Thanks so much for trying them.

1. Mix just until Dough Comes Together

First, in a mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, in a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.  Then add the eggs and milk to the mixture and mix until combined.  In a separate bowl, combine flour mixture, flour, salt, nutmeg, baking powder and baking soda.  Slowly add dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until combined, It should be coarse crumbs.  Fold in currants.

2. Form Dough and Roll the Dough

Form dough into a disc and wrap in plastic wrap. You need to chill the cookie dough in the refrigerator.On a lightly floured surface, roll out dough to ¼ inch thickness with a rolling pin.  Use a cookie cutter or biscuit cutter to cut out your favorite shape. 

3. Cook on the Skillet or Griddle

Spray a non-stick skillet with cooking spray and cook cakes until golden brown and flip and do the second side. Allow to cool on a wire rack.

Variations and Substitutions for Picau ar y maen (Cakes on a Stone)

• Spice: Add warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger to the dough.
• Citrus: Zest of lemon or orange can add a bright, refreshing flavor.
• Chocolate: Add chocolate chips or cocoa powder to the dough.
• Nutty: Incorporate chopped nuts like walnuts, pecans, or almonds.
• Use Raisins Instead: Or other dried fruit such as dried cranberries.
• Butter Cubes: You can replace the butter with shortening or lard or a combination of these fats.

Welsh Cookies Recipe FAQs and Reader Interactions