A classic recipe for making these, often used in Tiramisu.
Ladyfingers
The name “Ladyfinger” for the cookie is believed to have originated from the French term “boudoir” or “biscuit à la cuillère,” which translates to “ladyfinger” or “lady’s finger” in English. The cookie’s elongated shape resembles a lady’s finger or a small delicate finger, which likely led to the naming association.
Ingredients
- 3 Eggs, separated
- 6 tbs granulated sugar
- 3/4 c cake flour, sifted
- 6 tbs Confectioner’s Sugar
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees, then brush 2 baking sheets with softened butter and line with parchment paper. A Silpat works well too.
- Beat the egg whites with a whisk or electric mixer until stiff peaks form. Gradually beat in the granulated sugar and continue beating until stiff peaks form again; the meringue will be glossy and smooth. Lightly beat the egg yolks with a fork, and fold into the meringue with a wooden spoon. Sift the flour over the mixture and fold in gently.
- Pipe the ladyfingers: Fit the pastry bag with the large plain tip and fill with the ladyfinger batter. Pipe strips of batter 5 in. long and 3/4 in. wide diagonally onto the baking sheets, leaving 1 to 2 in. between each strip. Sprinkle half the confectioner’s sugar over the ladyfingers; wait 5 minutes and sprinkle with the remaining sugar.
- Holding the parchment paper in place with your thumb, lift one side of the baking sheet and gently tap it on the work surface to remove excess confectioner’s sugar.
- Bake without opening the oven door for 10 min.
- Rotate the baking sheet so the ladyfingers color evenly. Cook until lightly golden, about 5 more minutes.
- Remove the ladyfingers from the baking sheet with a metal spatula while still hot, and let cool on a rack.