Serbian Walnut and Honey Rolls (Orasnice)
Orasnice are delightful, sweet, and nutty cookies, a staple in Serbian households, especially during holidays and celebrations. Made with ground walnuts, honey, and a hint of citrus, these rolls offer a satisfying crunch and a rich, aromatic flavor.
🧂 Ingredients
- 300 g Walnuts(finely ground)
- 250 g All-purpose flour
- 150 g Honey
- 100 g Butter(softened)
- 2 large Egg yolks
- 1 tsp Lemon zest
- 1 tsp Vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp Baking powder
- 1/4 tsp Salt
- for dusting Powdered sugar
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a large bowl, combine the finely ground walnuts, all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisk to combine.
- 2
In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter and honey until light and fluffy.
- 3
Beat in the egg yolks one at a time, followed by the lemon zest and vanilla extract.
- 4
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms. Do not overmix.
💡 Tip: The dough will be slightly sticky. - 5
Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
- 6
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- 7
Take small portions of the dough and roll them into logs about 10-12 cm (4-5 inches) long and 1.5 cm (1/2 inch) thick. You can also shape them into small crescents or rings.
💡 Tip: Lightly flour your hands if the dough is too sticky. - 8
Place the shaped rolls onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving some space between them.
- 9
Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until lightly golden brown around the edges.
💡 Tip: Keep a close eye on them as they can burn quickly due to the honey. - 10
Let the rolls cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- 11
Once completely cooled, dust generously with powdered sugar.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a more intense walnut flavor, lightly toast the walnuts before grinding them.
- ✓If you don't have honey, you can substitute with golden syrup or maple syrup, but the flavor will be slightly different.
- ✓Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
🔄 Variations
- Add a pinch of ground cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients.
- Dip the cooled rolls in melted dark chocolate.
- Incorporate finely chopped candied orange peel into the dough.