Ivorian Spiced Honey Cookies

Ingredients

In the original Italian Cavallucci recipe, the cookies are traditionally made with ingredients like anise seeds, candied fruits, and almonds. However, for the Ivorian adaptation, we have replaced the anise seeds with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, which are commonly used in Ivorian cuisine. Additionally, we have incorporated local Ivorian honey to add a touch of sweetness and enhance the flavor profile. We alse have the original recipe for Cavallucci, so you can check it out.

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable oil 1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup (120ml) honey 1/2 cup (120ml) honey
• 1/2 cup (100g) brown sugar 1/2 cup (100g) brown sugar
• 1/4 cup (30g) chopped almonds 1/4 cup (30g) chopped almonds
• 1/4 cup (30g) chopped cashews 1/4 cup (30g) chopped cashews

Nutrition

• Calories: 120 kcal / 502 KJ
• Fat: 6g (1g saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 16g (10g sugars)
• Protein: 1g
• Fiber: 0.5g
• Salt: 0.1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. 2.
   In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
3. 3.
   In a separate bowl, combine the vegetable oil, honey, and brown sugar. Mix well until the sugar is dissolved.
4. 4.
   Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until a dough forms.
5. 5.
   Fold in the chopped almonds and cashews until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
6. 6.
   Take small portions of the dough and roll them into balls. Place the balls onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each cookie.
7. 7.
   Gently press down on each cookie to flatten slightly.
8. 8.
   Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
9. 9.
   Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Almonds — Make sure to chop the almonds into small pieces to ensure even distribution throughout the dough.
• Cashews — Similarly, chop the cashews into small pieces for a consistent texture in the cookies.
• Honey — Use a good quality Ivorian honey for the best flavor. If the honey is too thick, gently warm it before adding it to the dough.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dough.
• If you prefer a sweeter taste, drizzle the cooled cookies with a glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice.
• Store the cookies in an airtight container to maintain their freshness.

Serving advice

Serve these Ivorian Spiced Honey Cookies as a delightful snack with a cup of Ivorian tea or coffee. They also make a great addition to a dessert platter or as a sweet treat during festive occasions.

Presentation advice

Arrange the cookies on a decorative platter or in a cookie jar to showcase their golden brown color and inviting aroma. Dust them with a sprinkle of powdered sugar for an elegant touch.