11 Oct 2024

Honey Cookies

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These Honey Cookies are a perfect balance of sweet, warm, and comforting flavors that make them irresistible! Soft on the inside with a light golden crunch on the outside, these cookies are made with honey, giving them a natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with a hint of vanilla and cinnamon. Whether you're baking for the holidays, gifting homemade treats, or simply looking for a cozy dessert to enjoy with tea or coffee, these cookies are easy to make and packed with wholesome ingredients. You can even roll out the dough and use cookie cutters to create fun shapes! Perfect for any occasion, these honey cookies will become a favorite in your kitchen.

Honey Cookies
Honey Cookies

Holiday Honey Cookies: A Sweet Tradition with Family and Friends

These Honey Cookies are a true holiday staple in our home. The soft, slightly chewy texture combined with the subtle sweetness of honey makes them absolutely irresistible. Every year, around Christmas time, I make sure to bake a batch or two - just in case an unexpected guest arrives. They’re also perfect for gifting! I love packaging them up with my favorite Croatian cookies, Kiflice, and those unbeatable Raffaello balls. There's something so festive and heartwarming about gifting cookies to friends and neighbours during the holidays.

One of the best parts is that my kids help me make them. It’s such a fun and memorable activity, and I love that they’re learning the joy of baking while we spend time together. It’s those moments, while they’re still young, that mean the most - baking together, laughing, and creating memories that we’ll cherish forever.

Best,

Ana

Ingredients for Honey Cookies

  • All-purpose flour: Provides structure and texture to the cookies, making them soft and chewy.
  • Baking powder: Helps the cookies rise and stay light and fluffy.
  • Baking soda: Works with the honey to create a slight rise and helps with browning.
  • Unsalted butter: Adds richness and moisture, giving the cookies a tender crumb.
  • Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cookies and helps them achieve a golden brown color.
  • Honey: Adds a natural sweetness and moisture, giving the cookies a soft texture and unique flavor.
  • Salt: Enhances the flavor and balances the sweetness.
  • Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and help the cookies stay soft and moist.
  • Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and a subtle flavor that complements the honey and butter.

Can I substitute the honey with another sweetener?

Yes, you can use maple syrup or agave syrup as a substitute, but the flavor and texture may slightly differ. Honey adds a unique flavor and moisture to the cookies.

Can I freeze cookie dough?

Yes! You can freeze the cookie dough for up to 1 month. First, shape the dough into discs or cookie shapes, then lay them on a lined baking sheet and freeze for 30 minutes. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to bake, you can bake them directly from frozen -  just increase the bake time by 2 to 3 minutes. Flash freezing prevents the cookies from sticking together in the bag, making it easy to grab and bake when needed.

How do I store Honey Cookies?

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. You can also freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months.

How to Make Honey Cookies

  1. Whisk Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and baking soda. Set aside.
  2. Cream Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl (or stand mixer with a paddle attachment), combine the softened butter, sugar, honey, and salt. Beat on medium speed until creamy, about 1 minute. Add the eggs and vanilla extract and mix until well combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
  3. Combine Wet and Dry: On low speed, gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined. Scrape the bowl to ensure the dough is evenly mixed. Cover the dough and chill for 1 to 2 hours, or overnight.
  4. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  5. Form Cookies: Scoop the dough into 1½-tablespoon-sized portions and roll each into a ball. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, about 2 inches apart. Using the palm of your hand, gently press each ball to flatten it into a disk or cookie shape. Try to make all the cookies a similar size to ensure even baking. Keep the remaining dough refrigerated between batches.
  6. Bake: Bake each sheet one at a time for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges begin to brown. Let the cookies cool on the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  7. Store: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week.

 

More Easy Dessert Ideas:

 

Your Guide to Serving Honey Cookies

Here are some great ideas for what you can serve with Honey Cookies:

  • Tea or Coffee: These cookies pair perfectly with a warm cup of tea (like chamomile or Earl Grey) or freshly brewed coffee, balancing the sweetness of the honey with a cozy, bitter drink.
  • Warm Milk: For a comforting and nostalgic treat, serve the cookies with a glass of warm milk. It’s a great pairing, especially for kids.
  • Hot Chocolate: A rich, creamy cup of hot chocolate complements the light sweetness of honey cookies, making it a festive and indulgent combination during colder months.
  • Ice Cream: For a more decadent option, serve the cookies with a scoop of vanilla, cinnamon, or salted caramel ice cream. The warm spices in the ice cream highlight the honey flavor beautifully.
  • Fruit: Fresh fruit, like slices of apple or pear, or a simple fruit salad pairs well with the mild sweetness of honey cookies, adding a refreshing element to the dessert.
  • Cheese Platter: For a sophisticated twist, serve the cookies alongside a selection of cheeses like mild goat cheese, brie, or camembert. The creamy textures and savory notes enhance the honey flavors.
Honey Cookies
Honey Cookies

 

Honey Cookies

Honey Cookies

These Honey Cookies are a perfect balance of sweet, warm, and comforting flavors that make them irresistible! Soft on the inside with a light golden crunch on the outside, these cookies are made with honey, giving them a natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with a hint of vanilla and cinnamon. 
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour
Course Dessert
Cuisine Global
Servings 36 cookies

Ingredients
  

  • 360 g all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp baking soda
  • 230 g unsalted butter softened
  • 200 g granulated sugar
  • 120 ml (½ cup) honey
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions
 

  • Whisk Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and baking soda. Set aside.
  • Cream Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl (or stand mixer with a paddle attachment), combine the softened butter, sugar, honey, and salt. Beat on medium speed until creamy, about 1 minute. Add the eggs and vanilla extract and mix until well combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
  • Combine Wet and Dry: On low speed, gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined. Scrape the bowl to ensure the dough is evenly mixed. Cover the dough and chill for 1 to 2 hours, or overnight.
  • Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  • Form Cookies: Scoop the dough into 1½-tablespoon-sized portions and roll each into a ball. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, about 2 inches apart. Using the palm of your hand, gently press each ball to flatten it into a disk or cookie shape. Try to make all the cookies a similar size to ensure even baking. Keep the remaining dough refrigerated between batches.
  • Bake: Bake each sheet one at a time for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges begin to brown. Let the cookies cool on the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  • Store: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Keyword cookies, entertaining, holiday baking, kid-friendly
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For the Curious Foodie

The origin of Honey Cookies can be traced back to ancient times when honey was one of the earliest natural sweeteners available, long before the widespread use of sugar. Honey-based baked goods have been common in many cultures around the world, especially in regions where honey production thrived.

Key historical origins:

  1. Ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia: Honey was highly valued and used in various baked goods and desserts. Early versions of honey cookies were likely simple mixtures of honey, flour, and spices, baked to preserve the honey's natural sweetness.
  2. Medieval Europe: In medieval times, honey was a primary sweetener in European baked goods, as sugar was expensive and rare. Honey cookies, similar to gingerbread, were common during festivals and holidays, particularly around Christmas.
  3. Eastern Europe and Germany: Many traditional honey-based cookies and cakes, such as Lebkuchen in Germany, date back centuries. These cookies were often spiced and included honey as a key ingredient, symbolizing warmth and sweetness, especially during the winter months.
  4. Middle East: Honey has long been a staple in Middle Eastern cooking, and many Middle Eastern cookies and desserts feature honey as a primary ingredient, such as baklava or Ma’amoul.

Modern Honey Cookies:

Today, honey cookies are a part of many traditional holiday celebrations around the world, especially during Christmas. The flavor and texture of the cookies may vary by region, but the essence of honey as a natural sweetener remains central to their recipe.

These cookies continue to symbolize hospitality, warmth, and sweetness, making them popular choices for gifting and sharing during festive seasons.

Author

  • Ana

    Welcome to my culinary haven! My name is Ana, and I'm the passionate voice behind World Cuisines Network. Here, I share recipes that have not only won the approval of my family but have also stood the test of time in our kitchen. My goal is to introduce the rich tapestry of global flavors right to your family table. Thank you for dropping in! We're thrilled to have you join us.

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Follow Ana:
Welcome to my culinary haven! My name is Ana, and I'm the passionate voice behind World Cuisines Network. Here, I share recipes that have not only won the approval of my family but have also stood the test of time in our kitchen. My goal is to introduce the rich tapestry of global flavors right to your family table. Thank you for dropping in! We're thrilled to have you join us.

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