Turrón de Doña Pepa was created to celebrate mes morado, or purple month, in Peru. It’s colorful, flavorful, and packed with crunchy sprinkles, making it the perfect dessert for any celebration!
Cook Time
25 minutes
Total Time
2 hr 10 min
Yield
12 servings
Ingredients
Cookies
1 tablespoon whole anise seeds, divided, plus 3 teaspoons
1 teaspoon whole annatto seeds
1 cup boiling water (240 mL)
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
2 teaspoons sesame seeds
4 cups all purpose flour (500 g)
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 stick unsalted butter, softened
½ cup vegetable shortening (120 mL)
3 large egg yolks
nonstick cooking spray, for greasing
½ cup multi-colored sprinkles (85 g)
Syrup
6 large strawberries
2 small red apples, quartered
1 small pineapple, chopped
1 large orange, cut in half
4 cups water (960 mL)
3 star anises
6 whole cinnamon sticks
2 ½ cups granulated sugar (500 g)
1 cup chancaca sugar (200 g)
How to Make It
1. Step
Make the cookies: In a medium heat-proof bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon anise seeds, the annatto seeds, and boiling water. Steep for 30 minutes, then strain the anise tea, discarding the solids. Stir in the vanilla. Refrigerate until ready to use.
2. Step
In a medium skillet over medium-high heat, toast the remaining 3 teaspoons of anise seeds and the sesame seeds until fragrant, about 3 minutes. Pour the toasted spices onto a clean surface and use a rolling pin or small heavy-bottomed pan to gently crush the seeds into a coarse powder.
3. Step
In a large bowl, whisk together the crushed seeds, flour, salt, and baking powder.
4. Step
In a separate large bowl, use a fork to mash together the butter and shortening until well combined. Add the egg yolks and continue mixing until smooth. Add the flour mixture and use a wooden spoon or your fingertips to mix until the mixture resembles coarse sand. Slowly drizzle in the anise tea, mixing between additions until the dough is smooth, but not tacky. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
5. Step
Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper and lightly grease with nonstick spray.
6. Step
Remove the dough from the refrigerator and divide into 27 pieces. Roll each piece into a 6-inch-long log and place on the prepared baking sheets, spacing about ½ inch apart.
7. Step
Bake the cookies until hardened and light golden, about 25 minutes. Let cool completely.
8. Step
Make the syrup: In a large pot, combine the strawberries, apples, pineapple, orange, water, star anise pods, and cinnamon sticks. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat and cook until the fruit softens and begins to break apart. Strain the mixture, discarding the solids.
9. Step
Return the fruit water to the pot and add the granulated and chancaca sugars. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and cook until mixture turns thick and syrupy, about 15 minutes. Remove the pot from the heat.
10. Step
Assemble the turrón: Use a sharp knife to shave the edges and tops of the cookies to create a flat layer, reserving the crumbs.
11. Step
Arrange 6 cookies side-by-side on a sheet of parchment paper. Fill in any gaps between the cookies with the reserved crumbs. Pour ¾ cup of syrup over the cookies, spreading evenly with a spatula. Repeat with the remaining cookies, alternating directions, and syrup to make 3 more layers. Spread the sprinkles evenly across the top. Trim the edges of the turrón into an even square.
12. Step
Cut the excess parchment paper from around the turrón, then transfer to a serving platter. Cut into 12 pieces.
