Best Armenian Cookies Recipes

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ARMENIAN COOKIES



Armenian Cookies image

I thought I got this recipe years ago from my grandmother, she didn't remember it back then, and some say these are "hello dolly's". Whatever they are they are easy and totally addictive. :) I make them every Christmas. To use them as a dessert, substitute fat free sweet. cond. milk and low fat for what you can (EXCEPT butter), cut in larger squares and top with vanilla ice cream. :)

Provided by Genie Webber @etownmom

Categories     Cookies

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 stick(s) butter (do not use margarine)
1 cup(s) graham cracker crumbs
1 cup(s) coconut, flaked
1 cup(s) chocolate chips
1 cup(s) butterscotch chips
1 cup(s) pecans, chopped
1 can(s) sweetened condensed milk

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place butter, cut in pieces, in a 9x13 metal cake pan. Melt butter while preheating oven. When fully melted, remove from oven and add the graham crumbs. With a spoon, make a bottom crust.
  • Sprinkle next 4 ingredients, in the order given, as evenly as possible over crust. Make a "spout" in the can of milk and evenly drizzle over all ingredients.
  • Bake in middle of oven for 25-30 minutes. Remove pan, and set on a cooling rack until COMPLETELY cool. Do not refrigerate until they have been cut into squares! After they are cool, probably an hour or so, you can cut them. You should get 24-28 Sometimes there is a "half" row, so then you can sample to make sure it's ok. ;) These also freeze well.

ARMENIAN CHRISTMAS COOKIES (KURABIA)



Armenian Christmas Cookies (Kurabia) image

Make and share this Armenian Christmas Cookies (Kurabia) recipe from Food.com.

Provided by manushag

Categories     Dessert

Time 35m

Yield 60 cookies, 60 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 6

2 cups sweet butter, clarified room temperature
1 egg
1 tablespoon vodka (or rachi)
1 1/4 cups sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla
5 cups flour

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 275.
  • Beat butter, egg and rachi with mixer until white and fluffy.
  • Add sugar and vanilla and beat well.
  • Add 4 cups flour one cup at a time.
  • Add more flour 1/4 cup at a time until dough is no longer sticky.
  • Roll out 1/4 at a time to a long rope, 1/2 inch thick. Dough can be colored with food coloring or decorate with sprinkles.
  • Slice on the diagonal about 2 inches long and place on a cookie sheet sprayed with PAM.
  • Bake for about 20 minutes, until slightly firm. Do not allow to brown.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 110.5, Fat 6.3, SaturatedFat 3.9, Cholesterol 19.8, Sodium 2.2, Carbohydrate 12.1, Fiber 0.3, Sugar 4.2, Protein 1.2

Armenian cookies are popular for their sweet and nutty flavors. These cookies are easy to make and provide a perfect balance of crispiness and softness. In this article, we will delve into the history and preparation of these classic cookies.

History

The Armenian cuisine has a rich history that dates back to 100 BC. The invasion of the Ottoman Empire and the Genocide of 1915, forced many Armenians to flee their country, and as a result, spread their cuisine worldwide. Armenian cuisine is known for the use of herbs, fruits, and spices to enhance the flavors of the dishes. Cookies are an essential part of Armenian cuisine, and they are often served with coffee or tea during gatherings and holidays.

Ingredients

The ingredients used in Armenian cookies vary according to the recipe. Some of the commonly used ingredients are:

  • All-Purpose Flour
  • Sugar
  • Butter
  • Eggs
  • Baking Powder
  • Cinnamon
  • Ground Cloves
  • Vanilla Extract
  • Walnuts or Pecans
  • Raisins or Dates

Preparation

The preparation of Armenian cookies involves simple techniques that can be achieved with a few steps. The procedure may vary according to the recipe. Here is a simple guide to preparing Armenian cookies:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C)
  2. In a bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and ground cloves.
  3. Cream the butter and add the eggs and vanilla extract. Mix until a creamy texture is obtained.
  4. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients while mixing until a dough is formed.
  5. Fold in the chopped nuts and raisins or dates. Mix well.
  6. Form the dough into small balls and place them onto a greased baking sheet.
  7. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the cookies are golden brown.
  8. Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet.
  9. Transfer the cookies to a cooling rack and allow to cool completely.

Variations

Armenian cookies can be prepared with various modifications to suit personal preferences. Here are a few variations:

Ma’amoul Cookies

Ma’amoul cookies are a traditional Armenian cookie stuffed with pistachios or walnuts. The filling is often infused with rose water or orange blossom water for a fragrant aroma. These cookies are usually shaped using a wooden mold to create unique designs.

Apricot-Filled Cookies

These cookies are usually prepared with a buttery and flakey pastry dough that is filled with apricot jam or preserves. The filling can be substituted with various other types of jams or fruit preserves such as strawberry or raspberry.

Zorgtek Cookies

Zorgtek cookies are made with semolina flour and are usually served during Easter. These cookies are known for their crispy and crumbly texture and are usually topped with roasted sesame seeds.

In conclusion

The Armenian culture has a rich history of culinary traditions that continue to influence the cuisine worldwide. Armenian cookies are no exception to this, and the perfect balance of flavors and textures, make them a popular choice for dessert or snack. By experimenting with different ingredients and variations, one can create their unique Armenian cookie recipes while preserving the traditions of this beautiful culture.

Valuable Tips for Making Armenian Cookies

Armenian cookies are a delicious and traditional treat that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. These cookies are perfect for any occasion and can be made with a variety of ingredients to suit your preferences. However, making Armenian cookies can be a bit challenging, especially if you are doing it for the first time. Here are some valuable tips to help you create perfectly baked and delicious Armenian cookies.
1. Use fresh ingredients
The first and probably most important tip for making Armenian cookies is to use fresh and high-quality ingredients. When making cookies, the quality of the ingredients you use will directly impact the outcome of your cookies. For example, if you use stale or expired flour, your cookies will have an odd texture and will not be as flavorful as they could be. To get the best results, ensure that you are using fresh and high-quality ingredients.
2. Measure accurately
Another vital tip for making Armenian cookies is to measure everything accurately. Baking is a science, and even the slightest deviation in your measurements can cause your cookies to turn out wrong. When measuring the ingredients, use measuring cups and spoons to ensure precision.
3. Chill the dough
Armenian cookies typically require dough to be chilled before being baked. Chilling the dough solidifies the fat in the cookie dough, which means that the cookies will spread less when baking. This makes the cookies thicker and chewier. Also, chilled dough is easier to handle when cutting shapes or making balls.
4. Use parchment paper or silicone mats
To prevent the cookies from sticking to the baking sheet, it's recommended to use parchment paper or silicone mats. Also, they prevent the cookies from sticking, which makes it easier to clean the baking sheet after baking.
5. Preheat your oven
It's crucial to preheat your oven before baking the cookies. This ensures that the oven is at the correct temperature needed to bake the cookies. If you don't preheat your oven, then the cookies will not bake evenly, which leads to an uneven texture and taste.
6. Don't overcrowd the baking sheet
One of the most common mistakes people make when baking cookies is overcrowding the baking sheet. Doing this will lead to uneven cooking, which means that some of the cookies may be undercooked or burnt. To avoid this, leave enough space between the cookies on the baking sheet, enough for them to spread during the baking process.
7. Don't overbake the cookies
Overbaking cookies is a common mistake that can ruin the taste and texture of the cookies. To avoid this, ensure that you bake the cookies for the recommended amount of time. Also, check the cookies a few minutes before the recommended baking time is over to avoid overbaking.
8. Cool the cookies before decorating or packaging
Armenian cookies are usually decorated with frosting or other toppings. Before decorating or packaging the cookies, make sure they are entirely cool. Decorating or packaging the cookies while they are still warm can cause the frosting or toppings to melt, ruining the cookies' appearance.
9. Experiment with flavors and ingredients
Armenian cookies can be made with different flavors and ingredients. To make your cookies stand out, you can experiment with different flavors and ingredients. For instance, you can add nuts, spices, or chocolate chips to the cookie dough to give it a unique flavor.
10. Practice, Practice, Practice
As with any baking or cooking, practice makes perfect. If you don't get the perfect cookies the first time, don't give up. Keep practicing, and you will eventually master the art of making Armenian cookies.

Conclusion

In conclusion, making delicious Armenian cookies is easy and fun once you understand the basics. By following these valuable tips on using fresh ingredients, measuring accurately, chilling the dough, using parchment paper or silicone mats, preheating your oven, not overcrowding the baking sheet, not overbaking cookies, cooling the cookies before decorating or packaging, experimenting with flavors and ingredients, and practicing, you will be on your way to making perfectly baked and delicious Armenian cookies that will impress family and friends.

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