Handmade Pepero: Crafted with Love
Pepero Day Special: Make Your Own Pepero with Heartfelt Charm
As Pepero Day approaches, we’re sharing a special recipe for handmade Pepero, offering a depth of flavor and heartfelt care that store-bought versions can’t match. From crafting the biscuit sticks to coating them in luscious chocolate and adding delightful toppings, discover the joy of making your own unique Pepero from scratch!
Pepero Stick Dough Ingredients
- 150g cake flour
- 50g sugar
- 30g unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 2g baking powder
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
♥ Pepero Day is coming! Are you ready to make your own unique Pepero? ♥ First, let’s create the essential base for delicious Pepero: the ‘Pepero Stick’.
Step 2
In a mixing bowl, add the softened butter (30g). Using a whisk, cream the butter until it becomes light and fluffy, like whipped cream. This incorporates air for a tender texture.
Step 3
Once the butter is creamed, add the sugar (50g). Whisk again until the sugar is well incorporated and the mixture is smooth and creamy. Dissolving the sugar crystals will result in a smoother stick.
Step 4
Now, add the room-temperature egg (1 large). Whisk quickly to combine. It’s important to mix rapidly to prevent the egg from separating from the butter and sugar mixture.
Step 5
With the egg fully incorporated, you’ll have a smooth, pale yellow base for your dough. It looks rich and creamy, promising a delicious outcome.
Step 6
Next, let’s sift the dry ingredients for a light and airy dough. Sift the cake flour (150g) and baking powder (2g) through a sieve into the bowl. This ensures no lumps and a finer texture.
Step 7
Using a rubber spatula, gently fold the sifted dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix. Scrape the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is incorporated into a cohesive dough. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 20 minutes to rest. This chilling process makes the dough easier to handle and contributes to a crispier texture when baked.
Step 8
The rested dough is now ready to be shaped. Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F). Ensure both the top and bottom heating elements are on, and let it preheat for about 10 minutes for optimal temperature.
Step 9
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll out the chilled dough into long, slender Pepero stick shapes and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet. I also made some mini sticks for bite-sized treats! Bake in the preheated oven at 190°C (375°F) for approximately 20 minutes, or until golden brown. Baking time may vary depending on the thickness and size of your sticks.
Step 10
Carefully remove the baked Pepero sticks from the oven and transfer them to a cooling rack. Allow them to cool completely before coating with chocolate. This prevents the chocolate from melting unevenly. Repeat the process with any remaining dough.
Step 11
Voilà! Your golden-brown Pepero sticks are ready. Ensure they are thoroughly cooled; this is crucial for a clean and smooth chocolate coating.
Step 12
Now, let’s prepare the luscious chocolate coatings for your Pepero. Fill a wide heatproof bowl with hot water. This will be used for a double boiler setup to gently melt the chocolate.
Step 13
Place a mixing bowl (or bowls, one for each chocolate type) over the hot water, ensuring the bottom of the bowl doesn’t touch the water. Add your dark, white, and strawberry chocolates separately. Stir gently with a spatula until completely melted and smooth. Avoid overheating or allowing water to get into the chocolate, as this can cause it to seize.
Step 14
Once the chocolate is smooth and glossy, dip each cooled Pepero stick into the melted chocolate, coating it evenly on all sides. You can use a spoon or spatula to help cover the stick completely.
Step 15
Before the chocolate sets, quickly sprinkle your desired toppings onto the coated sticks. Finely chopped peanuts add a delightful crunch, while sprinkles and candy pearls provide color and fun. Use decorating pens for intricate designs. Let the chocolate harden naturally at room temperature.
Step 16
For a delicious green tea flavor, melt the white chocolate as usual. Then, stir in green tea powder until well combined and smooth. This creates a subtly flavored, elegant green tea Pepero.
Step 17
Get creative with different chocolate colors and an abundance of decorations! Express your unique style and make truly one-of-a-kind Pepero treats.
Step 18
Ta-da! Your vibrant and delightful handmade Pepero collection is complete. With dark chocolate, strawberry, white chocolate, and even green tea flavors, there’s a delicious choice for everyone!
Step 19
Beautifully packaged, these handmade Pepero make an even more special gift. This Pepero Day, surprise your loved ones with a box of your homemade creations and share the sweetness! (Bonus ingredient: A sweetheart! 😉)
Step 20
Meet the adorable trio of mini handmade Pepero! Their slightly irregular shapes, a result of being handmade, add a unique charm and character that makes them even more special.
Step 21
Let’s try one of these cute mini Pepero, studded with sparkling candy pearls! The more love and effort you put in, the more delicious and beautiful they become.
Step 22
Wow, they are incredibly delicious! The homemade Pepero sticks are extra crunchy and nutty, offering a superior taste compared to store-bought options. While Pepero sticks are available for purchase, the process of making them is so simple and fun. This Pepero Day, why not challenge yourself to make everything from the sticks to the toppings entirely by hand?
