Qagħaq tal-ħmira - Traditional Maltese Honey Rings

Ingredients

• 500g (4 cups) all-purpose flour 500g (4 cups) all-purpose flour
• 200g (1 cup) unsalted butter, softened 200g (1 cup) unsalted butter, softened
• 200g (1 cup) granulated sugar 200g (1 cup) granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground cloves 1 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 teaspoon ground aniseed 1 teaspoon ground aniseed
• 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 100ml (1/3 cup) milk 100ml (1/3 cup) milk
• For the glaze: For the glaze:
• 100g (1/3 cup) honey 100g (1/3 cup) honey
• 2 tablespoons water 2 tablespoons water

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 10g, 6g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 36g, 18g
• Protein: 4g
• 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 large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. 3.
   Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. 4.
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, cloves, aniseed, baking powder, and salt.
5. 5.
   Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Mix until a soft dough forms.
6. 6.
   Divide the dough into small portions and roll each portion into a thin rope. Shape the ropes into rings and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
7. 7.
   Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the honey rings are golden brown.
8. 8.
   While the honey rings are baking, prepare the glaze by heating the honey and water in a small saucepan over low heat until combined.
9. 9.
   Remove the honey rings from the oven and immediately brush them with the honey glaze.
10. 10.
    Allow the Qagħaq tal-ħmira to cool completely before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Butter — Make sure the butter is softened at room temperature for easier creaming with the sugar.
• Ground cloves — Use freshly ground cloves for the best flavor.
• Honey — Opt for a high-quality honey to enhance the taste of the glaze.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier flavor, you can increase the amount of ground cloves and aniseed.
• If the dough is too sticky, lightly flour your hands while shaping the rings.
• To add a decorative touch, sprinkle some sesame seeds on top of the honey rings before baking.
• Store the Qagħaq tal-ħmira in an airtight container to maintain their freshness.
• Serve these honey rings with a cup of Maltese tea for a truly authentic experience.

Serving advice

Serve the Qagħaq tal-ħmira as a delightful dessert or enjoy them with a cup of tea or coffee. They are best served fresh and can be enjoyed on their own or alongside other Maltese pastries.

Presentation advice

Arrange the honey rings on a platter, allowing their golden color to shine. You can dust them with powdered sugar for an elegant touch or drizzle some additional honey on top for a glossy finish.