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Russian Pryaniki Cookies with Spiced Honey Glaze Recipe

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4.1 from 12 reviews

  • Author: Sara
  • Total Time: 50 minutes + 1-2 hours chilling time
  • Yield: 32 servings

Description

Traditional Russian Pryaniki are soft, spiced honey cookies with a rich caramel-honey base, lightly glazed for a perfect balance of sweet and aromatic flavors. These cookies combine warm spices like cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg with a tender texture, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion.

Ingredients

Dough

  • 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) water
  • 1 tablespoon light corn syrup (optional)
  • 1/2 cup (170 grams) honey
  • 6 tablespoons (85 grams) unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 tablespoon baking powder
  • 2 3/4 cups (345 grams) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled

Glaze

  • 1 cup (120 grams) powdered sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 2-3 tablespoons milk
  • 1.5 teaspoons vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare the sugar syrup: Add the sugar, water, and corn syrup (if using) to a heavy-bottomed saucepan and place it over medium heat. Stir until the sugar is mostly dissolved and evenly distributed.
  2. Cook the caramel base: Once the sugar dissolves and the mixture begins to boil, stop stirring to prevent crystallization. Reduce heat if needed and swirl the pan occasionally until the mixture turns a deep amber color.
  3. Add butter and honey: Remove from heat carefully and stir in the butter vigorously as the caramel bubbles. Then stir in the honey until fully incorporated. Pour into a heatproof bowl and let cool for 20-30 minutes until slightly warm to touch.
  4. Add spices and egg: Stir in the cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt, followed by the egg. Mix until fully combined.
  5. Add baking powder: Stir in the baking powder evenly through the mixture.
  6. Incorporate flour: Add the flour one cup at a time, mixing until the dough is smooth and pliable. Cover and refrigerate for 1-2 hours to firm up the dough.
  7. Preheat oven and prepare baking sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  8. Shape cookies: Form dough into balls using about 1 tablespoon (25 grams) per cookie and place them on the baking sheet, leaving 1 inch (2.5 cm) space between each.
  9. Bake: Bake the cookies 12-14 minutes until done. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  10. Prepare glaze: In a bowl, combine powdered sugar, salt, and vanilla extract. Whisk in milk one tablespoon at a time until smooth and desired consistency is reached.
  11. Glaze cookies: Once the pryaniki are cooled, dip each cookie in the glaze and place on a baking rack to dry until the glaze is set.

Notes

  • Light corn syrup is optional but helps prevent crystallization of the sugar syrup.
  • Do not stir the sugar mixture once it starts boiling to avoid crystallization.
  • Chilling the dough helps to achieve the proper texture and makes it easier to shape.
  • Ensure cookies are completely cooled before glazing to prevent melting the glaze.
  • Store glazed pryaniki in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Baked Goods
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Russian

Find it online: https://sarabaking.com/russian-pryaniki-cookies-with-spiced-honey-glaze-recipe/