Engagées

Engagées are a type of pastry, typically small and often circular, that originated in France. The name translates to "engaged" or "committed" in French, though the exact reason for this naming is not definitively known. Historically, they were often served as part of a dessert course or as a treat with coffee.

The base of an engagée is usually a shortbread or cookie-like dough. This is then topped with various ingredients, commonly including a layer of fruit preserves, such as apricot or raspberry, and sometimes a marzipan or almond paste. The pastry is then baked until golden brown. Engagées can also be decorated with nuts, icing, or other sweet toppings. Their texture is typically a combination of a crisp base and a soft, yielding topping. While they are a traditional French confection, variations can be found in other European countries and in pastry shops worldwide. Their appeal lies in their simple yet satisfying combination of flavors and textures.