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Pryaniki – Russian Honey Spice Cookies Recipe

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Pryaniki are traditional Russian honey spice cookies known for their soft texture and delightful blend of warm spices. These aromatic cookies are infused with coffee and honey, giving them a unique flavor and a tender crumb. Glazed with a simple powdered sugar milk icing, they make a perfect treat for holidays or any cozy occasion.

Ingredients

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Spiced Coffee-Honey Mixture

  • 1/2 cup instant coffee
  • 1/2 cup hot water
  • 1 cup butter
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 1/2 cups honey
  • 1–2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon allspice
  • 1/4 teaspoon grated nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon anise (ground or liquid extract)

Cookie Dough

  • 2 eggs
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda dissolved in 1 teaspoon white vinegar
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 6 cups all-purpose flour

Glaze

  • 4 1/2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/2 cup milk

Instructions

  1. Dissolve the coffee: In a medium saucepan, dissolve the instant coffee in hot water, stirring until fully combined.
  2. Prepare the honey butter mixture: Add butter, granulated sugar, and honey to the coffee mixture. Heat on medium, stirring frequently until butter melts and sugar dissolves completely. Remove from heat and transfer to a large bowl to cool for 10-15 minutes.
  3. Add spices: Stir in vanilla extract, allspice, grated nutmeg, and anise. Feel free to add additional spices like cinnamon or cardamom if desired.
  4. Incorporate leavening and eggs: Whisk in the eggs, then add baking soda dissolved in vinegar and baking powder. The mixture will fizz slightly, indicating the leavening is active.
  5. Add flour: Gradually add all-purpose flour and stir with a wooden spoon until fully incorporated into a smooth dough.
  6. Rest the dough: Cover the dough with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel and leave it at room temperature for at least 4 hours or overnight to develop flavor and texture.
  7. Preheat oven: Set your oven to 325°F (163°C) and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
  8. Shape cookies: Using a 1 tablespoon scoop, form dough balls and roll them in your hands for uniform shape and size. Place them spaced apart on the baking sheet.
  9. Bake: Bake the cookies for 20-25 minutes. Avoid overbaking to keep them soft and tender.
  10. Prepare glaze: While cookies bake and cool, whisk together powdered sugar and milk in a large bowl until smooth. Optionally add extracts like vanilla or almond to flavor the glaze.
  11. Glaze cookies: Dip cooled cookies into the glaze, letting excess drip off. Set on parchment paper or a wire rack to dry. Once dry, flip cookies and glaze the other side quickly before the glaze hardens. Thin the glaze with a little milk if it becomes too thick.
  12. Store: Keep glazed Pryaniki in a sealed container at room temperature. They stay fresh and soft for several days.

Notes

  • The dough resting step is important for flavor development and softer texture.
  • Do not overbake the cookies—baking too long will make them hard.
  • You can customize the spice mix to your liking with cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, or cloves.
  • The glaze should be applied quickly before it thickens to ensure an even coating.
  • Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain their moistness.

Keywords: Pryaniki, Russian cookies, honey spice cookies, honey cookies, spiced cookies, traditional Russian dessert, glazed cookies

Find it online: https://lieblingsmahlzeit.com/pryaniki-russian-honey-spice-cookies-recipe/