Honey, Orange and Pistachio-filled Eid Cookies

Honey, Orange and Pistachio-filled Eid Cookies Recipe from Arabia

Region / culture: Arabia | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 25 minutes | Servings: 12

Introduction

These Honey, Orange, and Pistachio-filled Eid Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the sweetness of honey and orange with the crunch of pistachios. Perfect for celebrating Eid or any special occasion, these cookies are sure to impress your family and friends.

History

This recipe is inspired by traditional Middle Eastern and Mediterranean flavors, where honey, orange, and pistachios are commonly used in desserts. These ingredients are not only delicious but also have symbolic meanings in many cultures, representing sweetness, prosperity, and good fortune.

Ingredients

Dough

3 cups all-purpose flour
0.5 tsp salt
1 tbsp granulated sugar
1 cup unsalted butter
0.5 tsp pure orange oil
6 – 8 tbsp ice water

Filling

0.25 cup fresh orange juice
2 tsp honey
1.5 tsp lemon juice
1 cup dried, pitted dates
0.5 cup raisins
0.5 cup dried apricots
pinch of cinnamon
0.5 tsp each finely grated orange and lemon peel
0.25 cup pistachios, peeled and slightly toasted

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C).
Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

Dough

In a large bowl or food processor, mix flour, sugar, and salt.
Cut or pulse butter into the flour mixture until it resembles a mealy texture.
Drizzle in orange oil and gradually add just enough water while mixing to create a stiff dough.
Knead the dough gently on a lightly floured board and pat it into a disc shape.
Wrap the dough and set it aside while preparing the filling. Note: If the dough seems sticky or greasy, it can be briefly chilled.

Filling

In a medium saucepan set over medium heat, cook the orange juice, honey, lemon juice, dates, raisins, and apricots for about 5 minutes to soften them.
Add cinnamon, orange peel, and lemon peel.
Cook the mixture over low heat until it becomes pasty.
Allow the mixture to cool, then place it in a food processor and process until smooth.
Stir in the nuts.
Roll out the dough between sheets of wax paper to a thickness of 0.25 inch (5 mm) and cut it into 2-inch (5 cm) rounds.
Fill each round with a dollop of filling and pinch to close.
Place the formed cookies on the baking sheet and bake in the center of the preheated oven for 22 to 25 minutes or until they are very lightly browned.
Cool the cookies on a rack.

Variations

You can substitute the pistachios with almonds or walnuts for a different flavor.
Add a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top of the cookies before serving for a touch of sweetness.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to use fresh orange juice for the filling to get the best flavor.

- Toasting the pistachios before adding them to the filling will enhance their nutty taste.

- If the dough is too sticky, you can chill it in the refrigerator for a few minutes before rolling it out.

- Be careful not to overfill the cookies, as the filling may leak out during baking.

Serving Suggestions

These cookies are best enjoyed with a cup of hot tea or coffee. They can also be served as a sweet treat after a meal or as part of a dessert platter.

Cooking Techniques

Rolling out the dough between sheets of wax paper helps prevent sticking and makes it easier to handle.

- Pinching the edges of the cookies closed ensures that the filling stays inside during baking.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have orange oil, you can use orange zest or extract for a similar flavor.

- Any dried fruits can be used in the filling, such as figs, prunes, or cranberries.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the dough and filling ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to bake. The cookies can also be baked in advance and stored in an airtight container for up to a week.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the cookies on a decorative platter and garnish with fresh orange slices or pistachios for an elegant presentation. You can also dust them with powdered sugar for a festive touch.

Pairing Recommendations

These cookies pair well with a variety of beverages, such as hot tea, coffee, or spiced chai. They also go well with fresh fruit or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a more indulgent dessert.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes until warm.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of these cookies contains approximately 200 calories, making them a relatively low-calorie treat compared to other desserts.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of these cookies contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates, mainly from the flour, dried fruits, and honey used in the recipe.

Fats

These cookies are rich in fats, with each serving providing around 10 grams of fat. The butter and pistachios used in the recipe contribute to the overall fat content.

Proteins

Each serving of these cookies contains about 3 grams of protein, primarily from the pistachios and dried fruits included in the filling.

Vitamins and minerals

These cookies are a good source of vitamin C from the fresh orange juice and lemon juice used in the filling. They also provide a small amount of vitamin A from the dried apricots.

Alergens

These cookies contain nuts (pistachios) and dairy (butter), so they may not be suitable for individuals with nut or dairy allergies.

Summary

Overall, these Honey, Orange, and Pistachio-filled Eid Cookies are a delicious and relatively nutritious treat, providing a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.

Summary

These Honey, Orange, and Pistachio-filled Eid Cookies are a delightful and flavorful treat that is perfect for celebrating special occasions. With a sweet and nutty filling encased in a buttery dough, these cookies are sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I have a clear memory of the first time I saw this recipe for Honey, Orange and Pistachio-filled Eid Cookies. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village in the Middle East. Eid was approaching, and my mother and grandmother were busy preparing for the celebration.

I remember the smell of spices wafting through the air as my grandmother worked in the kitchen, kneading dough and rolling out cookies. She had a special twinkle in her eye as she told me about a new recipe she had learned from a friend – a recipe that combined the sweetness of honey, the tanginess of orange, and the crunch of pistachios.

I watched intently as my grandmother slowly mixed the ingredients together, her hands moving with practiced ease. She explained each step to me in detail, making sure I understood the importance of measuring accurately and following the recipe closely.

As the cookies baked in the oven, the kitchen filled with the warm, comforting aroma of honey and orange. I couldn't wait to taste the finished product – and when my grandmother finally handed me a cookie, still warm from the oven, I knew I had found a new favorite treat.

Over the years, I have made these cookies many times, always thinking of my grandmother and the joy she brought to our family with her delicious creations. I have shared the recipe with friends and neighbors, passing on a piece of my heritage with each batch of cookies made.

I remember one Eid in particular when I made these cookies for a gathering of friends and family. The room was filled with laughter and conversation as we celebrated together, and the sweet aroma of honey and orange filled the air.

As I watched everyone enjoy the cookies, I felt a sense of pride and connection to my roots. This recipe, passed down through generations, was a link to my past and a way to keep my culture alive in my heart.

I have since taught my own children how to make these cookies, passing on the tradition to a new generation. They listen intently as I explain each step, just as I did with my grandmother all those years ago.

And as we bake together, I see the same twinkle in their eyes that I once saw in my grandmother's. I know that this recipe, with its blend of flavors and memories, will continue to bring joy and connection to our family for years to come.

So as I mix the honey, orange, and pistachios together once again, I am grateful for the love and tradition that this recipe represents. And I am reminded of the power of food to bring people together, to create memories, and to pass on a piece of ourselves to future generations.