Grašnjaki - Slovenian Sweet Honey Cookies

Ingredients

• 250g (2 cups) all-purpose flour 250g (2 cups) all-purpose flour
• 125g (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, softened 125g (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, softened
• 100g (1/3 cup) honey 100g (1/3 cup) honey
• 1 egg 1 egg
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt Pinch of salt
• Powdered sugar, for dusting Powdered sugar, for dusting

Nutrition

• Calories: 120 kcal / 502 kJ
• Fat: 6g (3.5g saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 15g (8g sugars)
• Protein: 2g
• Fiber: 0.5g
• Salt: 0.1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and honey until well combined.
2. 2.
   Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter-honey mixture and mix until smooth.
3. 3.
   Gradually add the flour and salt to the mixture, stirring until a dough forms.
4. 4.
   Shape the dough into a ball, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
5. 5.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
6. 6.
   On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to a thickness of about 1/4 inch.
7. 7.
   Use cookie cutters to cut out desired shapes and transfer them to the prepared baking sheet.
8. 8.
   Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until they turn golden around the edges.
9. 9.
   Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. 10.
    Once cooled, dust the Grašnjaki with powdered sugar for an elegant finishing touch.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Honey — Use a high-quality honey with a rich flavor to enhance the taste of the Grašnjaki.
• Butter — Make sure the butter is softened at room temperature for easy mixing with the other ingredients.
• Flour — Sift the flour before adding it to the dough to ensure a smooth texture.

Tips & Tricks

• For a more pronounced honey flavor, use a darker variety of honey.
• If the dough becomes too sticky while rolling, lightly dust the surface with flour.
• Experiment with different cookie cutter shapes to add a personal touch to your Grašnjaki.
• Store the cookies in an airtight container to maintain their freshness.
• Serve the Grašnjaki alongside a cup of warm herbal tea for a delightful pairing.

Serving advice

Serve the Grašnjaki on a decorative platter or in a cookie jar for a charming presentation. These cookies are perfect for afternoon tea, holiday gatherings, or as a sweet treat to enjoy any time of the day.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Grašnjaki in a visually appealing pattern, showcasing their intricate shapes and powdered sugar dusting. Consider adding a sprig of fresh mint or a dusting of cocoa powder for an extra touch of elegance.