Cooking originates and evolves through experimentation, and what better way to try it than with this simple and delicious recipe for Merkén cookies that will leave no one indifferent.
Contents
How to Make Merkén Cookies?
A traditional preparation of cookies made with whole wheat flour, butter, gruyere cheese, and Merkén, which undoubtedly give a new dimension to this traditional Mapuche ingredient. Whether spicier or less spicy, you decide.
Nutritional Information
Category: Appetizers
Cuisine: Chilean
Calories: 400
Preparation: 2 hours
Cooking: 15 minutes
Servings: 12 people
Each serving of Chilean merkén cookies contains approximately 400 calories, 22 g of carbohydrates, 32 g of fats, 8 g of proteins, 2 g of fiber, 1 g of sugars, 75 mg of cholesterol, and 320 mg of sodium.
Merkén Cookies Recipe
Ingredients
- 400 g of butter
- 250 g of wheat flour
- 200 g of gruyere cheese
- 50 g of almonds
- 2 teaspoons of merkén
- 1 teaspoon of salt
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, add and process the butter until smooth. Add the crumbled cheese and process until a paste forms.
- Add the sifted whole wheat flour, Merkén, salt, and process until a homogeneous dough forms. Add the finely chopped almonds and mix to distribute.
- Roll out with a rolling pin until about 5 millimeters wide, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for about 60 minutes. Preheat the oven to 180°C (356°F) for at least 10 minutes.
- Using a sharp knife, cut triangular cookies and then distribute them on a buttered or oiled baking sheet without touching each other. Place the cookie tray in the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until lightly golden brown. Carefully cool on a rack.
- Serve the Merkén cookies alone or as an accompaniment to another appetizer while they are fresh, and store in a glass jar or airtight container.
Additional Tips
Working with the Dough
The dough must be thoroughly chilled before cutting and baking — 60 minutes minimum, ideally 2 hours. Chilling firms up the butter and prevents the cookies from spreading in the oven. If the dough becomes too soft while working with it, return it to the refrigerator for 15 minutes. Work quickly and keep the surface lightly floured to prevent sticking.
Getting the Right Spice Level
The spiciness of merkén varies significantly between brands. Start with 1½ teaspoons for a mild heat, taste the dough before adding egg, and adjust upward to 2 teaspoons or more for more assertive heat. The cheese and butter soften the heat considerably — the baked cookies will be noticeably milder than the raw dough.
Storing and Serving
Merkén cookies keep well in an airtight glass jar or cookie tin at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze the unbaked dough (shaped into a log) for up to 2 months — slice and bake directly from frozen, adding 2–3 minutes to the baking time. Serve at room temperature; they lose their crispiness if reheated.
| Ingredient | Substitute | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Gruyere cheese | Parmesan or aged manchego | Harder cheeses; more intense flavor |
| Whole wheat flour | All-purpose flour | Lighter texture, less nutty flavor |
| Merkén | Smoked paprika + cayenne | Less authentic but accessible |
| Almonds | Walnuts or pecans | Changes the nut flavor profile |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make merkén cookies without cheese?
Yes, but the flavor changes significantly. The gruyere provides fat, salt, and umami that balances the spice of the merkén. If omitting cheese, replace half the butter weight with cream cheese for a similar fat and moisture content, and add a pinch of extra salt.
Where can I buy merkén outside of Chile?
Merkén is available in Latin American specialty grocery stores, gourmet food shops, and online retailers specializing in South American products. It is increasingly available in European and North American cities with Chilean or Latin American communities, sometimes labeled as “merquén.”
Can I freeze merkén cookie dough?
Yes. Shape the dough into a log (5–6 cm diameter), wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 2 months. Slice directly from frozen and bake at 180°C (356°F) for 15–17 minutes — 2–3 extra minutes compared to fresh dough.
How do I keep the cookies crispy?
Cool completely on a wire rack before storing — putting warm cookies in a container creates steam, which makes them soft. Store in an airtight glass jar or metal tin at room temperature for up to 5 days.
What Is Chilean Merkén Cookies?
Chilean merkén cookies (galletas de merkén) are savory, spicy biscuits made with whole wheat flour, butter, gruyere cheese, and merkén — a traditional Mapuche smoked chili seasoning. Unlike sweet cookies, these are a sophisticated savory bite with a rich, buttery texture balanced by the smoky heat of merkén and the nuttiness of gruyere. They are typically served as an appetizer or cocktail snack alongside dips, charcuterie, or simply on their own with a glass of wine. Consuming chili pepper like merkén also helps increase metabolic energy expenditure and generates a feeling of satiety.
History of Merkén Cookies in Chile
Merkén (sometimes spelled “merquén”) is a Mapuche spice blend made from dried and smoked ají cacho de cabra chili peppers, toasted coriander seeds, and salt. Used by the Mapuche people of southern Chile for centuries as a seasoning and preservative, merkén was deeply embedded in indigenous culinary tradition long before Spanish colonization. The use of merkén in a Western-style cookie is a modern fusion — combining European baking technique with a pre-Columbian Chilean ingredient — that reflects the growing global recognition of this spice. Merkén received a protected geographic indication in Chile in 2018, cementing its status as a culturally significant local product.
Did You Know?
Merkén is a Mapuche seasoning that is increasingly recognized worldwide for its unmistakable smoky flavor, artisanal production, and preservation capacity.
