Medové Koláčky Honey Pastries

Get into the spirit of the festive season with a delightful Czech Republic Christmas baking tradition – Medové Koláčky, also known as Honey Pastries. These sweet and aromatic treats are perfect for sharing with loved ones or simply enjoying by the fireplace with a warm cup of cocoa. The rich flavors of honey and spices will fill your home with a cozy, comforting aroma that will surely put everyone in a joyful mood. So, let’s get ready to bake up some holiday magic with this delicious recipe!

Medové Koláčky Honey Pastries

Ingredients:
– 1 cup honey
– 1 cup sugar
– 1 cup butter, softened
– 2 eggs
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/2 tsp ground cloves
– 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
– 1/2 cup finely chopped walnuts
– Powdered sugar, for dusting

Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, heat the honey until it is warm and runny. Remove from heat and stir in the sugar until dissolved. Allow the mixture to cool slightly.

2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and honey-sugar mixture until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then add the vanilla extract.

3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a smooth dough forms. Fold in the chopped walnuts.

4. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

5. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out your desired shapes – traditional shapes include stars, hearts, and circles.

6. Place the cut-out dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving a bit of space between each pastry. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.

7. Remove the pastries from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

8. Once the pastries are cooled, dust them generously with powdered sugar for a snowy finish.

Enjoy these Medové Koláčky Honey Pastries with a cup of hot tea or mulled wine for the perfect holiday treat. These delectable pastries are sure to become a beloved tradition in your home, spreading warmth and cheer to all who taste them. Happy baking and happy holidays!