Directions

1. Prepare filling: In a medium saucepan, combine pineapple, palm sugar, cinnamon, and 1/8 teaspoon salt. Place saucepan over low heat, and cook, stirring occasionally, until sugar has dissolved and liquid has evaporated, about 45 minutes. Transfer mixture to a bowl, cover, and refrigerate at least 2 hours, or up to overnight.
   Tip: Crushed Palm Sugar and Custard Powder (fat free is okay to use) can be found at kalustyans.com.
2. Prepare dough: Into a medium bowl, sift together flour, custard powder, and dried milk; set aside.
3. Place the butter, confectioners sugar, and remaining teaspoon salt in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Beat on medium speed until mixture is light and creamy, about 4 minutes. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl; slowly add flour mixture and mix until well incorporated. Add egg and continue mixing just until the dough comes together; it will be sticky. Form mixture into a ball, press into a 1/4-inch-thick disk, and tightly wrap with plastic wrap. Refrigerate until chilled and firm, at least 2 hours, or up to overnight.
4. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper; set aside. Unwrap chilled dough and form into 1-inch balls. Press each ball into a thin 3-inch disk. Put 1 heaping teaspoon pineapple mixture in the center of each disk. Fold dough over filling to make a half-moon shape; pinch edges to seal in filling. Gently press and roll dough back into a 1-inch ball. Place filled dough balls 1 inch apart on prepared baking sheets. Refrigerate until chilled and firm, about 15 minutes.
5. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 350 degrees.
6. Brush each dough ball with egg yolk and stick a clove in the center of each, if desired. Bake until golden, 20 to 25 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack and cool completely before serving.

First published: October 2007