Moustokouloura-Wine-Must-Cookies

These traditional Greek Moustokouloura are delightful oval wreaths of crisp, spicy dough. Sweetened with petimezi (thickened grape must) and honey, they offer a deep, fruity richness distinct from sugar-based cookies. The addition of orange zest, cinnamon, and cloves creates a warm, aromatic profile that pairs perfectly with coffee or tea. Crispy on the outside with a tender bite, these cookies are a festive treat for holidays or a comforting snack. Simple to prepare with pantry staples, they bring authentic Mediterranean flavor to your kitchen.

Cooking Method: Baking

Cuisine: Greek

Courses: Desserts

Difficulty: Intermediate

Servings: 24

Calories: 764.4

Dietary: Vegetarian

Description

These traditional Greek Moustokouloura are delightful oval wreaths of crisp, spicy dough. Sweetened with petimezi (thickened grape must) and honey, they offer a deep, fruity richness distinct from sugar-based cookies. The addition of orange zest, cinnamon, and cloves creates a warm, aromatic profile that pairs perfectly with coffee or tea. Crispy on the outside with a tender bite, these cookies are a festive treat for holidays or a comforting snack. Simple to prepare with pantry staples, they bring authentic Mediterranean flavor to your kitchen.

Ingredients

3 1/2 cups All-purpose flour
1/2 cup Petimezi (thickened grape must syrup) or Italian vino cotto
2 teaspoons Baking soda
1 tablespoon Freshly ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon Freshly ground cloves
1/2 medium Orange (grated zest)
1/4 cup Mild olive oil
1 cup Orange juice
2 tablespoons Honey
Extra flour for kneading

Directions

1
Preheat oven to 375&# 194;Â°F (190ÃÂ°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly oil it.
2
In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and cloves. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients.
3
In a smaller bowl, whisk together the olive oil, honey, petimezi, grated orange zest, and 1/2 cup of the orange juice until well combined.
4
Pour the wet mixture into the well of the dry ingredients. Mix together to form a dough, adding the remaining orange juice as necessary to bring the dough together.
5
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for about 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and pliable but not stiff. Add extra flour sparingly if the dough is too sticky.
6
Cover the dough with a clean cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes.
7
Break off pieces of dough, about 2 tablespoonfuls each. Roll each piece into a snake about 1/2-inch in diameter.
8
Press the two ends of each snake together to form an oval wreath shape. Place the wreaths on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart.
9
Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cookies are golden brown and crunchy. Avoid over-baking to keep them from becoming too hard.
10
Allow cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet before transferring to a storage container.

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 thickened grape must syrup common in Greece. If unavailable, Italian vino cotto or even a very thick molasses can be used as a substitute, though the flavor profile will vary slightly.

For a vegan version, ensure the honey is replaced with maple syrup or agave nectar, as honey is not vegan.

These cookies store well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. They tend to crisp up as they cool.

Handle the dough gently when forming the wreaths to maintain their shape. If the dough becomes too soft while working, chill it for 10 minutes.

Keywords: moustokouloura, greek cookies, wine must, petimezi, vino cotto, grape must, spiced cookies, cinnamon, cloves, orange zest, vegan dessert, traditional greek, crisp cookies, holiday baking, olive oil cookies, spicy sweets

Read it online: https://www.chefs-mate.com/recipe/moustokouloura-wine-must-cookies-2/