Russian Honey Spice Cookies

Ingredients

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (120g) unsalted butter, softened 1/2 cup (120g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup (85g) honey 1/4 cup (85g) honey
• 1 large egg 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Zest of 1 orange Zest of 1 orange

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 120 kcal / 502 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 5g, 3g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 18g, 10g
• 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 medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt.
3. 3.
   In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4. 4.
   Add the honey, egg, vanilla extract, and orange zest to the butter mixture. Mix until well combined.
5. 5.
   Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
6. 6.
   Roll the dough into small balls, approximately 1 inch in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each cookie.
7. 7.
   Flatten each ball slightly with the palm of your hand.
8. 8.
   Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
9. 9.
   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.
10. 10.
    Once cooled, you can decorate the cookies with powdered sugar or leave them plain.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Honey — Use a good quality honey for the best flavor. If the honey is too thick, you can warm it slightly to make it easier to incorporate into the dough.
• Orange zest — Make sure to wash the orange thoroughly before zesting. Use a fine grater or a zester to obtain the zest, avoiding the bitter white pith.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier flavor, you can increase the amount of ground ginger and cloves.
• If you prefer a softer texture, slightly underbake the cookies and allow them to cool completely on the baking sheet.
• To add a decorative touch, use a cookie stamp or mold to imprint designs on the cookies before baking.
• Store the cookies in an airtight container to maintain their freshness.
• These cookies make a delightful gift when packaged in a decorative tin or box.

Serving advice

Serve these Russian Honey Spice Cookies with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a cozy and comforting treat. They are perfect for afternoon tea or as a sweet ending to a Russian-inspired meal.

Presentation advice

Arrange the cookies on a platter or a decorative plate, dusted with powdered sugar for an elegant presentation. You can also place a few whole cloves or cinnamon sticks alongside the cookies for a festive touch.