These caramel cookies with condensed milk are one of the best cookies in Tunisia. If you love cookies with runny caramel filling, these might be your new favorite cookies. Do you want to learn how to make Zouzas – Tunisian caramel cookies? Scroll down, and I will share a step-by-step recipe.
What is Zouza- a Tunisian caramel cookie?
Zouza is a traditional Tunisian caramel cookie that is the all-time favorite treat among adults and children. The walnut-shaped shortcrust cookies are filled with caramelized condensed milk. Some like to fill these up with a walnut piece in the center of the cookie. But the version without peanuts is the most popular one.
Might be that these cookies look familiar to some of you. This is because Slavic countries have a similar cookie called Oreshki. So, now we could debate which one is the original version, Zouza or Oreshki. Go know. But of course, I must say that the Tunisian one is the better one, right 😉
I have listed 10 traditional Tunisian sweets you need to try on your trip. Read also through the lists of what to eat in Tunisia, the best Tunisian drinks, and a traditional Tunisian breakfast.
How to bake Zouza- caramel cookies with condensed milk?
What is unique about these cookies is their baking, which requires an electric zouza machine or iron pan. The Zouza machine looks like and works similarly to a waffle iron/maker. The raw dough is placed inside the warmed-up machine, then closed firmly, and after some time, the dough is cooked. The more traditional baking method is the zouza pan. The pan is placed over a stove and turned a couple of times during the baking.
I bought my zouza machine from a store that sells kitchenware in Tunisia. Amazon also sells these. Search with keywords such as Zouza, Zouza appareil, Oreshki machine, or nut maker.
How to clean an electric Zouza machine?
It’s necessary to take care of and clean the electric Zouza machine. In this way, the service life of the device can be extended. Also, you get baked goods with the best possible taste. The fat will go rancid and stick to the Zouzas the next time you fry them if you don’t clean the iron often enough. Here are a couple of tips on how to clean and maintain your Zouza machine.
- The Zouza machine is an appliance, don’t toss it into the sink to soak in water.
- After use, unplug the machine and let it cool down. Next, wipe the iron grates with a dry paper towel and try to absorb all the excessive oil.
- If needed, you can wipe interior parts with a soapy microfiber cloth.
- I have a tip for you if the device needs in-depth cleaning. One of the easiest ways to clean the machine is a cleaning batter made of flour, salt, and water. Mix together 1,5 dl flour, 1dl water, and 3 tbsp salt. Pour the batter inside the heated-up machine and let it cook. Remove the cooked batter, and the device should be clean. Depending on the size of the machine, you might need to increase or decrease the amount of the ingredients.
- Wipe the exterior parts and cord with a damp cloth.
Ingredients for Zouza- Tunisian caramel cookie
Flour – use all-purpose flour.
Butter – you may use salted or unsalted butter. Make sure that butter is softened when it’s easier to rub together with flour.
Eggs – if possible, use room-temperature eggs.
Icing sugar or sugar – both will work perfectly well. The cookies made of icing sugar will be slightly sweeter. Are a sweet cookie with sweet filling too much for you? If yes, use regular sugar.
Baking powder – will rise up the cookies a tiny bit.
Vanilla sugar – vanilla brings a delicious taste to cookies. You could also use vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract.
Salt – helps bring out all the flavors in cookies.
Sweetened condensed milk – the easiest way is to use a can of caramelized condensed milk. You can also caramelize a can of condensed milk at home, but that takes some time.
Walnut – if you love peanuts, a great idea is to add a piece of walnut (or any other peanut you like) inside the cookies.
What caramel sauce do you use?
You have cookies ready, and now we need the filling. Let’s start with the most traditional option. The traditional Zouzas bought from the bakery are usually filled only with caramel made of condensed milk. The cookies with caramelized condensed milk filling are delicious. The great thing about this filling is that it keeps its texture. The negative side is that most condensed milk contains lactose and milk protein. For this reason, the zouza aren’t suitable for a person with a milk protein allergy or lactose intolerant. I have seen Nestle selling lactose-free sweetened condensed milk, so check it out if you need one.
How to caramelize the condensed milk?
When I bake Zouzas, I prefer to use a can of caramelized condensed milk. It’s the easiest and fastest way for me. You can also buy sweetened condensed milk and caramelize it at home. But that takes some time as the can needs to simmer in water for 2-3 hours. Another way is to make caramel sauce with brown sugar, butter, and condensed milk. Adventurous people use the microwave: pour the condensed milk into a microwave-safe bowl, set the power to medium, and microwave in 30 seconds intervals, in total about 2-4 minutes. In the end, stir the mixture carefully.
Alternatives for condensed milk filling
Are you looking for substitutes for condensed milk filling? Here are a couple of alternatives to try at home.
The internet is full of salted caramel sauce recipes, and it makes a tasty Zouza filling. It’s easy to make and requires only a couple ingredients: sugar, butter, heavy cream, vanilla, and salt. This could be an option for people who needs lactose-free substitute. You could also skip the salt when you get regular caramel sauce. An easy and fast option is a butterscotch sauce made of dark brown sugar, butter, and heavy cream, but you may also add salt and vanilla extract. It’s ready in five minutes!
Recipe for Zouza- caramel cookies with condensed milk
Servings: ca.60 cookies
Total preparation time: 3 hours
Ingredients for Zouza- caramel cookies with condensed milk
500g all-purpose flour
250g butter (softened)
2 eggs
250g icing sugar or 150g sugar
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp vanilla sugar
Pinch of salt
Filling:
2 cans of sweetened condensed milk
pinch of salt
100g walnuts (optional)
How to make Zouza- caramel cookies with condensed milk
Step 1.
Mix together flour, baking powder, and softened butter by rubbing the mixture between your thumbs and fingertips.
Step. 2
In a separate bowl, beat eggs, icing sugar or sugar, vanilla sugar, and a pinch of salt until light and well combined.
Step. 3
Combine flour and egg mixture and bring it together as a ball of dough. Let it set in the fridge for 15 minutes.
Step. 4
Divide the mixture into equal-sized balls of about 6g/ 0.20oz.
Step. 5
Bake the balls in the Zouza machine. (Note. The cookies might feel slightly soft when you remove them from the Zouza machine. The cookies will harden soon after cooling down.)
Step. 6
Remove excessive cookie dough by hand from the edges of the cookie. Next, rub the edges of the cookie on the stainer to adjust the shape.
Step. 7
Fill the cookie shells with sweetened condensed milk ( if you want, add a piece of walnuts). Create a cookie by pressing together two filled cookie shells.
Step. 8
Time to enjoy freshly baked Zouzas – caramel cookies with condensed milk!
