During the festive season in Greece, baking traditional cookies is a cherished tradition that brings families together and fills homes with the warm, comforting aroma of freshly baked treats. One such delightful recipe is the Foinikia Spiced Walnut Cookies – a delicious combination of sweet and nutty flavors with a hint of warm spices that are perfect for the holidays. These cookies are not only a joy to make but are also a delightful addition to any Christmas spread or gift basket. Let’s dive into the recipe to create these irresistible Greek treats.
**Foinikia Spiced Walnut Cookies**
**Ingredients:**
– 3 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup chopped walnuts
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Zest of 1 orange
– 1/2 cup honey
– Powdered sugar (for dusting)
**Instructions:**
1. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, chopped walnuts, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, ground nutmeg, baking powder, and salt. Mix well and set aside.
2. In a separate large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and orange zest.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients and mix until a smooth dough forms. If the dough seems too sticky, you can add a little more flour. Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up.
5. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
6. Roll the chilled dough into small balls, approximately 1 inch in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each cookie.
7. Using the back of a fork, gently press down on each cookie to slightly flatten it.
8. Bake the cookies for about 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
9. While the cookies are baking, warm the honey in a small saucepan over low heat until it becomes more liquid.
10. Remove the cookies from the oven, and while they are still warm, carefully brush the tops of each cookie with the warmed honey using a pastry brush.
11. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
12. Once the cookies have cooled, dust them generously with powdered sugar to create a snowy effect on top.
These Foinikia Spiced Walnut Cookies are best enjoyed with a warm cup of tea or coffee, making them the perfect treat to share with loved ones during the holiday season. The combination of crunchy walnuts, aromatic spices, and sweet honey drizzle makes them a delightful addition to any Christmas gathering. Whether you’re baking these cookies to enjoy at home or to give as gifts, they are sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them. So, roll up your sleeves, preheat your oven, and get ready to savor the flavors of Greece with these festive cookies!
