Recipe

Lazarakia - Greek Honey and Spice Cookies

Heavenly Greek Delights: Indulge in Lazarakia, the Sweet and Spiced Honey Cookies

4.1 out of 5

Lazarakia are traditional Greek cookies that are typically enjoyed during the Lenten period. These delectable treats are made with a combination of aromatic spices, honey, and a hint of orange zest, resulting in a heavenly flavor that will transport you to the sunny shores of Greece.

Sweet Bread› Lazarakia

European cuisine› Mediterranean cuisine› Balkan cuisine› Greek cuisine

Preparation time

20 minutes

Cooking time

12-15 minutes

Total time

32-35 minutes

Yields

Makes approximately 24 cookies

Preparation difficulty

Easy

Suitable for

Vegetarian, Mediterranean, Dairy-free, Egg-free, Nut-free

Allergens

Wheat (gluten), Almonds

Not suitable for

Vegan, Gluten-free, Paleo, Keto, Low-carb

Ingredients

2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup (120ml) extra virgin olive oil 1/2 cup (120ml) extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup (60ml) orange juice 1/4 cup (60ml) orange juice
1 tablespoon orange zest 1 tablespoon orange zest
1/4 cup (80g) honey 1/4 cup (80g) honey
1/4 cup (30g) slivered almonds, for garnish 1/4 cup (30g) slivered almonds, for garnish

Nutrition

Calories (kcal / KJ): 120 kcal / 502 KJ
Fat (total, saturated): 6g, 1g
Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 15g, 8g
Protein: 1g
Fiber: 0.5g
Salt: 0.1g

Preparation

1.
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt.
3.
In a separate bowl, combine the olive oil, orange juice, orange zest, and honey. Mix well.
4.
Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until a soft dough forms.
5.
Take a small portion of the dough and shape it into a cross or other desired shape. Repeat with the remaining dough.
6.
Place the shaped cookies onto the prepared baking sheet and garnish each cookie with a few slivered almonds.
7.
Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly golden brown.
8.
Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on a wire rack before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

Olive oil — Use extra virgin olive oil for its distinct flavor and richness.
Orange zest — Make sure to grate only the outer orange part of the peel, avoiding the bitter white pith.

Tips & Tricks

For a spicier flavor, you can increase the amount of cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg.
If you prefer a sweeter taste, drizzle the baked cookies with a little extra honey while they are still warm.
Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh for several days.

Serving advice

Serve Lazarakia with a cup of Greek coffee or a glass of cold milk for a delightful treat. They are perfect for enjoying as a snack or dessert.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Lazarakia on a decorative platter, garnished with a sprinkle of powdered sugar and a few fresh orange zest curls for an elegant presentation.