Lebanese Cookies

Lebanese Cookies Recipe - Delicious and Easy to Make

Region / culture: Lebanon | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 25 minutes | Servings: 36

Introduction

Lebanese cookies are a delicious treat that are perfect for any occasion. These cookies are sweet, nutty, and have a hint of orange flavor that makes them truly unique. They are perfect for serving at parties, as a snack, or even as a dessert.

History

Lebanese cookies have been a traditional treat in Lebanon for many years. They are often served during special occasions such as weddings, holidays, and family gatherings. The combination of butter, sugar, orange juice, and walnuts creates a rich and flavorful cookie that is loved by many.

Ingredients

0.33 cup of cooking oil
0.5 cup of softened butter
0.33 cup of sugar
1 tbsp of orange juice
1 tsp of baking powder
0.5 tsp of baking soda
2 cups of all-purpose flour
0.75 cup of sugar
0.33 cup of honey
0.33 cup of Finely chopped walnuts

How to prepare

In a mixer bowl, beat cooking oil into butter until blended. Then, beat in sugar.
Add orange juice, baking powder, and baking soda. Mix well.
Gradually add flour to make a soft dough.
Shape the dough into 2-inch ovals and place them on an ungreased baking sheet.
Bake at 350°F (177°C) for 20 to 25 minutes or until golden.
Cool the pastries on a rack.
Meanwhile, in a saucepan, combine 0.75 cup of sugar, honey, and 0.5 cup of water. Bring to a boil and simmer uncovered for 5 minutes.
Dip the cooled pastries into the warm syrup.
Immediately sprinkle with nuts.
Allow the pastries to dry on a wire rack.
This recipe makes 3 dozen pastries.

Variations

Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or cardamom to the dough for a spiced flavor.
Substitute almonds or pistachios for the walnuts for a different nutty flavor.
Drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled cookies for a chocolatey twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to beat the cooking oil and butter together until well blended to ensure a smooth dough.

- Gradually add the flour to the dough to prevent it from becoming too dry.

- Be sure to shape the dough into uniform ovals for even baking.

- Dip the cookies into the warm syrup immediately after baking to ensure they absorb the flavors.

Serving Suggestions

Lebanese cookies are best served with a cup of hot tea or coffee. They can also be enjoyed with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.

Cooking Techniques

Beating the cooking oil and butter together until well blended is key to creating a smooth dough.

- Gradually adding the flour to the dough ensures it is not too dry.

- Dipping the cookies into the warm syrup immediately after baking helps them absorb the flavors.

Ingredient Substitutions

Canola oil can be substituted for cooking oil.

- Margarine can be substituted for butter.

- Almonds or pistachios can be substituted for walnuts.

Make Ahead Tips

Lebanese cookies can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to a week. They can also be frozen for longer storage.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the Lebanese cookies on a decorative platter and sprinkle with powdered sugar for a festive presentation. Serve them alongside fresh fruit for a colorful display.

Pairing Recommendations

Lebanese cookies pair well with a variety of beverages such as tea, coffee, or hot chocolate. They also go well with a glass of milk or a scoop of ice cream.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store Lebanese cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To reheat, place them in a 350°F (177°C) oven for a few minutes until warm.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Lebanese cookies contains approximately 180 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Lebanese cookies contains approximately 20 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Lebanese cookies contains approximately 10 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Lebanese cookies contains approximately 2 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Lebanese cookies are not a significant source of vitamins and minerals.

Alergens

Lebanese cookies contain dairy (butter) and nuts (walnuts).

Summary

Lebanese cookies are a sweet and nutty treat that are relatively high in calories and fats. They are best enjoyed in moderation as a special treat.

Summary

Lebanese cookies are a delicious and traditional treat that are perfect for any occasion. With their sweet, nutty flavor and hint of orange, they are sure to be a hit with family and friends. Enjoy these cookies with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful snack or dessert.

How did I get this recipe?

I can't forget the moment I stumbled upon this recipe for Lebanese Cookies. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Amina in her cozy kitchen. Amina was born and raised in Lebanon, and she had a talent for baking the most delicious Middle Eastern treats.

As soon as I walked into her home, I was greeted by the tantalizing aroma of spices and sweet treats wafting from the oven. Amina was busy rolling out dough and carefully shaping it into delicate cookies. She explained to me that these cookies were a traditional Lebanese recipe that had been passed down through generations in her family.

I watched intently as Amina worked her magic in the kitchen, her hands moving with precision and grace. She explained each step of the process to me, from mixing the ingredients to baking the cookies to perfection. I could see the love and care she put into each batch, and I knew I had to learn how to make these cookies for myself.

Amina was kind enough to share the recipe with me, and she patiently guided me through the process of making the cookies. She showed me how to combine flour, sugar, butter, and a hint of orange blossom water to create a dough that was soft and pliable. She taught me how to roll out the dough and cut it into intricate shapes using a cookie cutter.

As we worked together in the kitchen, Amina shared stories of her childhood in Lebanon and the memories she had of baking these cookies with her mother and grandmother. She told me about the special occasions when these cookies were served, from weddings to holidays to simple gatherings with loved ones.

I listened intently to Amina's stories, soaking in every detail and savoring the connection I felt to her culture and heritage through this simple recipe. I was inspired by her passion for baking and her dedication to preserving the traditions of her homeland.

After hours of baking and chatting, Amina and I finally sat down to enjoy a plate of freshly baked Lebanese Cookies. The cookies were golden brown and perfectly crisp on the outside, with a soft and chewy center that melted in my mouth. The subtle flavor of orange blossom water added a fragrant and exotic touch that I had never experienced before.

As I savored each bite, I felt a sense of accomplishment and pride in learning how to make these cookies from scratch. I knew that this recipe would become a cherished part of my own repertoire, to be shared with friends and family for years to come.

Since that day in Amina's kitchen, I have made Lebanese Cookies countless times, each batch bringing back memories of that special summer afternoon. I have shared the recipe with my own grandchildren, passing down the tradition and stories that Amina shared with me.

I am grateful for the opportunity to learn from Amina and to immerse myself in the rich culinary history of Lebanon. These cookies are not just a delicious treat, but a connection to a culture and a heritage that I hold dear to my heart.

So, the next time you find yourself in the kitchen, take a moment to explore a new recipe and connect with the stories and traditions behind it. You never know what delicious discoveries you may make along the way.