Maltese Honey Rings
Qagħaq tal-Għasel
Sweet, spiced rings filled with a rich treacle and spice mixture, a traditional Maltese treat often enjoyed during festive seasons.
🧂 Ingredients
- 800 g All-purpose flour
- 160 g Fine semolina
- 150 g Unsalted butter(cold and cubed)
- 150 g Sugar
- 1 Egg yolk
- 100 ml Water(lukewarm, plus more if needed)
- 600 ml Black treacle (molasses)
- 250 g Sugar(for filling)
- 300 ml Water(for filling)
- 4 tbsp Cocoa powder
- 4 tbsp Aniseeds(ground)
- 1 tsp Mixed spice
- 0.5 tsp Ground cloves
- 1 large Orange zest
- 1 large Lemon zest
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
For the filling: Combine treacle, 250g sugar, 300ml water, cocoa powder, ground aniseeds, mixed spice, ground cloves, orange zest, and lemon zest in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then simmer for about 5-10 minutes until slightly thickened. Stir in the semolina gradually until the mixture thickens further. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
- 2
For the pastry: In a large bowl, combine flour, 160g semolina, and 150g sugar. Add the cold butter and rub with your fingertips or a pastry blender until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs.
- 3
Add the egg yolk and gradually add the lukewarm water, mixing until a soft, smooth dough forms. Knead briefly, then wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- 4
Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- 5
Divide the dough into 6-8 equal portions. On a lightly floured surface, roll each portion into a long strip, about 20cm (8 inches) long and 5cm (2 inches) wide.
- 6
Place a portion of the cooled filling in a line down the center of each dough strip. Moisten the edges of the dough with water, then fold the dough over the filling, pressing to seal and form a long tube. Pinch the ends together to form a ring shape.
- 7
Place the rings on the prepared baking sheet. Using a sharp knife, make decorative slits at intervals along the top of each ring.
- 8
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the pastry is lightly golden. Let cool completely on a wire rack.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ensure the filling is completely cool before assembling the rings.
- ✓The dough should be soft but not sticky; adjust with a little more flour or water if necessary.
- ✓The decorative slits help the filling to escape during baking and prevent the rings from bursting.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Some recipes use honey or golden syrup in addition to or instead of treacle.
- Add a pinch of ground cinnamon or nutmeg to the filling for extra warmth.