Lazarakia - Greek Honey and Spice Cookies

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