Moustokouloura

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Servings: 24 Difficulty: Intermediate
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Crispy Greek wreath cookies sweetened with wine must and spiced with cinnamon and cloves.
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Moustokouloura

Author: chefs-mate Cooking Method: Cuisine: Courses:
Difficulty: Intermediate
Servings: 24 Calories: 764.4

Description

Moustokouloura are traditional Greek sweet biscuits shaped like small wreaths, offering a delightful crunch and deep, complex sweetness. These cookies rely on petimezi (grape must syrup) or honey for their signature rich flavor, balanced by warm spices like cinnamon and cloves. The addition of orange zest and juice provides a bright, citrusy note that cuts through the richness. Perfect for holiday gatherings or as a comforting treat with coffee, these cookies are vegan-friendly and incredibly satisfying. Their crisp texture makes them ideal for gifting or enjoying straight from the baking sheet. Simple to prepare with pantry staples, they capture the essence of Greek hospitality and tradition.

Ingredients

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 375&# 194;°F (190ðC). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly oil it.
  2. Sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and cloves into a large bowl. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients.
  3. In a smaller bowl, whisk together the olive oil, petimezi (or honey if substituting), grated orange zest, and half of the orange juice until well combined.
  4. Pour the wet mixture into the well of the dry ingredients. Stir gently to combine, forming a rough dough.
  5. Add the remaining orange juice as needed to bring the dough together. It should be pliable but not sticky.
  6. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Do not over-knead, as this can make the cookies tough.
  7. Cover the dough with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let it rest for at least 30 minutes to relax the gluten.
  8. Break off pieces of dough, approximately 2 tablespoonfuls each. Roll each piece into a snake about 1/2 inch in diameter and 4-5 inches long.
  9. Press the two ends of each snake together to form an oval wreath shape. Place the wreaths on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
  10. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the cookies are firm. Watch closely to prevent burning.
  11. Remove from oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 24

Amount Per Serving
Calories 764.4kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 2.1g4%
Saturated Fat 0.4g2%
Cholesterol 0.0mg0%
Sodium 4.2mg1%
Total Carbohydrate 159.6g54%
Dietary Fiber 5.7g23%
Sugars 0.6g
Protein 21.0g42%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Petimezi is a concentrated grape must syrup. If unavailable, you can substitute with a thick honey or molasses, though the flavor profile will differ slightly.

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. These cookies keep well and can be frozen for longer storage.

The dough may be sticky; use a light dusting of flour when rolling, but avoid adding too much as it can dry out the cookies.

For a softer texture, reduce baking time by 2-3 minutes. For a crunchier cookie, bake for the full 15 minutes.

Ensure cloves are freshly ground for the best flavor impact, as pre-ground spices lose potency quickly.

Keywords: greek, cookies, moustokouloura, petimezi, grape must, cinnamon, cloves, orange zest, vegan, crispy, wreath, holiday, traditional, baking, dessert
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