Pryaniki
Russian Honey Spice Cookies
Soft, fragrant Russian honey spice cookies, traditionally sweetened and flavored with a warm spice blend. These pryaniki are delightful served with tea.
🧂 Ingredients
- 400 g All-purpose flour(Plus extra for dusting)
- 200 g Honey(A good quality, liquid honey works best)
- 100 g Granulated sugar
- 2 tsp Ground spices(A mix of cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. You can also add nutmeg or cardamom.)
- 50 g Butter(Unsalted, softened)
- 1 large Egg yolk(For richness and binding)
- for coating Sugar glaze(Typically made with powdered sugar and a little water or milk, or a simple syrup.)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a medium saucepan, combine the honey, granulated sugar, and ground spices. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar is completely dissolved and the mixture is fragrant. Do not boil. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly for about 5-10 minutes.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 2
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and the softened butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Make a well in the center.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 3
Pour the slightly cooled honey mixture into the well of the flour mixture. Add the egg yolk. Gradually mix everything together with a wooden spoon or spatula until a cohesive dough forms. It will be sticky.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 4
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead gently for a minute or two until it comes together smoothly. Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. This resting period allows the flour to hydrate and makes the dough easier to handle.
⏱️ 2 hours (minimum resting) - 5
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 6
Take the chilled dough from the refrigerator. It will be firm. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1 cm (1/2 inch) thickness. Use cookie cutters or shape by hand into small rounds or desired shapes.
⏱️ 15 minutes - 7
Place the shaped pryaniki onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving a little space between them. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set. They should remain soft, not crispy.
⏱️ 12-15 minutes per batch - 8
While the pryaniki are still warm, prepare the sugar glaze. For a simple glaze, whisk together 1 cup of powdered sugar with 1-2 tablespoons of water or milk until smooth and pourable. Dip the warm pryaniki into the glaze, or brush it over the tops. Let them cool completely on a wire rack. The glaze will harden slightly as it cools.
⏱️ 10 minutes
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Tula pryaniki are a famous, often intricately molded, type of Russian pryaniki.
- ✓The key to soft pryaniki is not to overbake them. They should feel slightly soft to the touch when removed from the oven.
- ✓These cookies are best enjoyed fresh, but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- ✓Serve with black tea or coffee for a traditional treat.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add a simple fruit jam or condensed milk filling between two cooled pryaniki.
- Experiment with different spice combinations, such as adding cardamom, anise, or orange zest.
- For a richer flavor, use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar.