These traditional festive cookies are served during most holiday get-togethers. I recall these tasty sweets at most special occasions growing up. There are many variations to it but I find that using cornstarch makes the cookie delicately melt in your mouth. Some like to add orange blossom to enhance the flavor but I think Araq, a Levantine alcoholic spirit, is a wonderful addition to enrich the cookie’s taste. Traditionally, the cookie is made in an S-shape, but you can find them in different shapes, with various kinds of nuts.
Preparation time
- 20 minutes
Cooking time
- 20 minutes
Serves
- 4 pax
Ingredients
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup icing sugar
- ¾ cup butter
- 1 tbsp Araq or orange blossom
- Raw almonds, pistachio or pine nuts to decorate
Method
- Beat the butter and sugar in a food processor or in a bowl with a hand mixer.
- Add the Araq and gradually add the flour and cornstarch. Once mixed, gently knead the batter with your hands.
- Preheat oven to 325F/160C.
- Line a baking sheet and roll the dough into small balls.
- Place them equidistant onto a baking sheet, put an almond in the center and gently press into to the ball.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden.
