Greek Honey Sesame Cookies

Ingredients

• 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup (120ml) extra virgin olive oil 1/2 cup (120ml) extra virgin olive oil
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (170g) honey 1/2 cup (170g) honey
• 2 large eggs 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon orange zest 1 tablespoon orange zest
• 4 cups (480g) all-purpose flour 4 cups (480g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (120g) whole wheat flour 1 cup (120g) whole wheat flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (80g) sesame seeds, for rolling 1/2 cup (80g) sesame seeds, for rolling

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 120 kcal / 502 KJ
• Fat: 6g (3g saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 15g (8g sugars)
• Protein: 2g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, olive oil, sugar, and honey until light and fluffy.
2. 2.
   Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and orange zest.
3. 3.
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, baking powder, and salt.
4. 4.
   Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky.
5. 5.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
6. 6.
   Take a small portion of dough and roll it into a rope about 4-5 inches long. Shape the rope into a twist or knot, and roll it in sesame seeds to coat.
7. 7.
   Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between them.
8. 8.
   Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cookies are golden brown.
9. 9.
   Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on a wire rack before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Butter — Make sure the butter is softened at room temperature for easier creaming with the other ingredients.
• Olive oil — Use extra virgin olive oil for its distinct flavor and richness.
• Honey — Opt for a high-quality honey to enhance the taste of the cookies.
• Orange zest — Use organic oranges for the zest to avoid any bitterness from pesticides.
• Sesame seeds — Toast the sesame seeds lightly in a dry pan before rolling the cookies for a more intense flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• For a variation, you can add a sprinkle of ground cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm and aromatic touch.
• If you prefer a sweeter taste, you can brush the cookies with a honey glaze after baking.
• These cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week, but they are best enjoyed fresh.

Serving advice

Serve these Greek Honey Sesame Cookies with a cup of Greek coffee or a glass of sweet dessert wine for a truly authentic experience. They are perfect for afternoon tea or as a sweet treat after a meal.

Presentation advice

Arrange the cookies on a beautiful platter, garnished with a sprinkle of powdered sugar and a few orange zest curls. The golden hue of the cookies and the sesame seed coating will make them visually appealing.