Nut and Spice Cookie Recipes - Balkan Cookies

Ingredients 

SYRUP:

• 1 cup/200 g sugar

• 1 tbsp water

• 1 vanilla bean

• 3 cloves 

COOKIES:

• 3/4 cup/180 g butter

• 1 cup/200 g sugar

• 2 large egg yolks

• 1 1/4 cups/180 g all-purpose/plain flour

• 1/4 tsp baking soda

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Method:

1. Syrup: Bring the sugar, water, vanilla bean, and cloves to a boil. Boil for 15 minutes.

2. Wash down the pan sides with a pastry brush dipped in cold water to prevent sugar crystals from forming.

3. Cook, without stirring, until the mixture reaches 238°F (114°C) or the soft-ball stage.

4. Cookies: Preheat the oven to 325°F/170°C/gas 3. Beat the butter and sugar in a large bowl with an electric mixer at high speed until creamy.

5. Add the egg yolks, one at a time, until just blended after each addition. With mixer at low speed, gradually beat in the the flour and baking soda.

6. Roll to 1/4-inch (5-mm) thick on parchment paper. Refrigerate for 15 minutes. Use a pastry cutter to cut out 1-inch (2.5-cm) disks.

7. Lay them on a cookie sheet covered with waxed paper. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown. Cool the cookies on the sheet. Serve in the lukewarm syrup.