Moustokouloura (Μουστοκούλουρα)

• Prep time: 20 mins

• Cook time: 15 mins

• Total time: 35 mins

• Servings: 24 cookies

• Country of origin: Greece

• Description: Traditional spiced ring cookies made with grape molasses, olive oil, and warm aromatic spices.

• Presentation: Formed into circular ring shapes or braided coils, served alongside coffee or tea.

• Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup olive oil

  • 1/2 cup grape molasses (petimezi)

  • 1/4 cup orange juice

  • 1/4 cup sugar

  • 1 tbsp cognac

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour

  • 1 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp baking soda

  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/4 tsp ground cloves

• Step-by-step directions:

  • Whisk olive oil, grape molasses, orange juice, sugar, cognac, cinnamon, and cloves together.

  • Combine flour, baking powder, and baking soda.

  • Stir dry mixture into wet ingredients until dough forms.

  • Roll dough portions into thin ropes and shape into rings.

  • Place on parchment-lined baking sheets and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes.

  • Cool on racks before serving.

• Optional variations: Roll dough in sesame seeds before baking for extra crunch.

• Cooking tips: Bake less for soft chewy cookies, or longer for crunchy dunking cookies.

• Nutrition facts:

  • Calories: 110 kcal

  • Fat: 4.5g

  • Carbohydrates: 16g

  • Protein: 2g