Introduction to Romany Creams: A Timeless Treat

If there's one biscuit that holds a special place in the hearts of Southern Africans, it's the iconic Romany Cream. Known for their rich chocolate flavor, perfectly crispy texture, and creamy center, these decadent treats have been a staple in households for generations. Whether paired with a hot cup of coffee, as a mid-afternoon snack, or shared during celebrations, Romany Creams are as versatile as they are delicious.

This recipe was inspired by Romany Creams (one of my favourite biscuits/cookies of all time). Make this batch first if you've never tried them, then taste the originals and let me know what you think!

My understanding is that Romany Creams were originally developed from Gipsy Creams (a reference to a recipe of custard cream biscuits from the nomadic people of Romany/other parts of Europe). Introduced in the UK, sales fell flat, but the recipe was revitalised in South Africa, where the biscuits are still produced today. I won't go too deep into the history here, but look it up when you get the chance.

I recommend making Romany Creams throughout the year, but with a few sprinkles, everyone will want you over in the holiday season.

A note on preparing the dough: using a stand mixer will save you some time, and the dough hook makes the kneading easier, giving you a more consistent result. However, you can use your hands throughout the process.

Here are some helpful tips for making perfect Romany Creams at home:

1. Choose Quality Ingredients

• Use high-quality cocoa powder and chocolate for the best flavor. The richness of the biscuit depends on the quality of these key ingredients.

2. Cream Butter and Sugar Thoroughly

• Creaming the butter and sugar until light and fluffy ensures the biscuits have the perfect texture—crisp yet tender.

3. Sift Your Dry Ingredients

• Sifting the dry ingredients (like flour, cocoa powder, and baking powder) helps avoid lumps and ensures an even distribution for a smooth dough.

4. Don’t Overwork the Dough

• Mix the ingredients until just combined. Overworking the dough can make the biscuits tough instead of light and crisp.

5. Shape Consistently

• Roll the dough into evenly sized balls or logs to ensure the biscuits bake uniformly. If you’re pressing them with a fork, try to make the grooves consistent for an even texture.

6. Chill Before Baking

• Letting the shaped dough rest in the fridge for 15–20 minutes before baking helps the biscuits hold their shape better in the oven.

7. Bake with Care

• Keep an eye on the baking time. The biscuits should be firm but not overly browned to retain their chocolaty flavor.

8. Choose the Right Filling

• Traditional Romany Creams are filled with chocolate ganache or melted chocolate. Ensure the filling has cooled slightly before sandwiching the biscuits to avoid making them soggy.

9. Allow Cooling Before Filling

• Always let the biscuits cool completely before adding the filling to prevent the chocolate from melting unevenly.

10. Store Properly

• Once assembled, store your Romany Creams in an airtight container to keep them fresh and crispy. They can last up to a week (if you can resist eating them sooner!).

With these tips in mind, you'll be well on your way to creating Romany Creams that rival store-bought versions—if not better! I try to abide by some of these tips for the most part.