Greek Honey Sesame Cookies

Ingredients

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup (120ml) olive oil 1/2 cup (120ml) olive oil
• 1/2 cup (120ml) honey 1/2 cup (120ml) honey
• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 1 large egg 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Zest of 1 orange Zest of 1 orange
• 1 cup (150g) sesame seeds, for rolling 1 cup (150g) sesame seeds, for rolling

Nutrition

• Calories: 120 kcal / 502 kJ
• Fat: 6g (Saturated Fat: 1g)
• Carbohydrates: 15g (Sugar: 8g)
• Protein: 2g
• 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 medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon.
3. 3.
   In a separate large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, honey, sugar, egg, vanilla extract, and orange zest until well combined.
4. 4.
   Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
5. 5.
   Take small portions of the dough and roll them into balls, approximately 1 inch in diameter.
6. 6.
   Roll each ball in the sesame seeds, ensuring they are fully coated.
7. 7.
   Place the coated balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
8. 8.
   Gently press down on each ball to flatten it slightly.
9. 9.
   Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cookies are golden brown around the edges.
10. 10.
    Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Olive oil — Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
• Honey — Opt for a floral and aromatic honey, such as Greek thyme honey, to enhance the taste of the cookies.
• Sesame seeds — Toast the sesame seeds lightly in a dry pan before rolling the dough balls for a more intense nutty flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• For a more pronounced citrus flavor, add a few drops of orange blossom water to the dough.
• If you prefer a softer texture, reduce the baking time by a couple of minutes.
• Experiment with different coatings such as crushed pistachios or shredded coconut for a unique twist.
• Store the cookies in an airtight container to maintain their freshness and crispness.
• Serve the cookies alongside a cup of Greek coffee or herbal tea for a delightful pairing.

Serving advice

Serve the Greek Honey Sesame Cookies as a sweet treat after a Greek-inspired meal or as a delightful accompaniment to your afternoon tea or coffee. They can also be enjoyed on their own as a satisfying snack.

Presentation advice

Arrange the cookies on a beautiful platter or a traditional Greek serving plate. Dust them lightly with powdered sugar for an elegant touch. Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint or a twist of orange zest for a pop of color.