Syrian Jewish Spiced Oat Cookies

Ingredients

In this adaptation, the traditional Norwegian Havrekjeks are transformed into Syrian Jewish Spiced Oat Cookies by incorporating a unique blend of spices commonly used in Syrian Jewish cuisine. The original recipe's sweet profile is enhanced with warm spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and nutmeg, which are characteristic of Syrian Jewish dishes. This fusion creates a delightful balance of flavors that is distinctively Syrian Jewish. We alse have the original recipe for Havrekjeks, so you can check it out.

• 1 cup (90g) rolled oats 1 cup (90g) rolled oats
• 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1/4 cup (60ml) milk 1/4 cup (60ml) milk
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon salt

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 90 kcal / 377 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 4g, 2.5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 12g, 5g
• Protein: 1g
• Fiber: 1g
• 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, combine the rolled oats, all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, softened butter, milk, ground cinnamon, ground cardamom, ground nutmeg, and salt. Mix until well combined.
3. 3.
   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.
4. 4.
   Flatten each ball slightly with the palm of your hand or the bottom of a glass.
5. 5.
   Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies turn golden brown.
6. 6.
   Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Rolled oats — Use traditional rolled oats for the best texture in the cookies.
• Ground cinnamon, cardamom, and nutmeg — For optimal flavor, use freshly ground spices or high-quality pre-ground spices.
• Unsalted butter — Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature for easy mixing.

Tips & Tricks

• For a more pronounced spice flavor, increase the amount of cinnamon, cardamom, and nutmeg according to your preference.
• Add a handful of chopped nuts, such as almonds or pistachios, to the dough for added crunch and flavor.
• Store the cookies in an airtight container to maintain their freshness and crispness.
• Serve these cookies alongside a warm cup of spiced tea for a truly authentic Syrian Jewish experience.
• Experiment with different shapes and sizes for a visually appealing presentation.

Serving advice

Serve these Syrian Jewish Spiced Oat Cookies as a delightful snack with a cup of tea or coffee. They are perfect for sharing with family and friends during festive occasions or as a sweet treat any time of the day.

Presentation advice

Arrange the cookies on a beautiful platter or a decorative cookie tin. Dust them with a sprinkle of powdered sugar for an elegant touch. Consider adding a small card with the recipe name and a brief description to introduce your guests to the unique flavors of Syrian Jewish cuisine.