Dive into the sweet world of these Ultimate Walnut-Filled Syrup Cookies, inspired by the traditional Turkish dessert known for its moist texture and rich filling. These cookies feature a soft, semi-sweet dough that encases a generous amount of coarsely chopped walnuts, all shaped using a unique method to create intricate designs. Fresh out of the oven, each cookie is soaked in a light, lemon-infused syrup, ensuring every bite is perfectly sweet and delightfully moist.
Why You'll Love This: If you're a fan of desserts that perfectly balance sweetness with a hint of citrus, these cookies are for you. The lemon slice in the syrup adds a refreshing zest that cuts through the sweetness, balancing the rich, nutty filling beautifully. The process of shaping and soaking the cookies not only results in a delicious treat but also makes for a fun baking experience.
Perfect Occasion: These syrup-soaked cookies are ideal for special occasions, from festive family gatherings to cultural celebrations. They also make for a sophisticated addition to any dessert table at dinner parties or as a special treat during the holidays.
Decoration Tips:
- Sprinkle finely chopped pistachios or toasted coconut flakes over the soaked cookies for added color and texture.
- Present each cookie in a decorative cupcake liner to enhance their visual appeal.
- Serve alongside a cup of strong Turkish tea or coffee to complement the sweet, syrupy flavor of the cookies.
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 125g butter or margarine, room temperature
- 1 tea cup vegetable oil
- 1 tea cup yogurt
- 1 egg
- 1 packet vanilla
- 1 packet baking powder
- 1 tablespoon vinegar
- 5 tablespoons semolina
- 3 cups flour (adjust as needed for a soft, non-sticky dough)
For the Syrup:
- 2.5 cups water
- 2.5 cups sugar
- A slice of lemon
For the Filling:
- 1 cup coarsely chopped walnuts
- Prepare the Syrup:
- In a saucepan, combine water, sugar, and a slice of lemon. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool to room temperature.
- Make the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, blend butter, vegetable oil, yogurt, and egg until smooth. Stir in vanilla, baking powder, and vinegar.
- Gradually add semolina and flour, mixing until a medium-soft, non-sticky dough forms.
- Divide the dough into 21 equal pieces.
- Shape and Fill the Cookies:
- Press each piece of dough into a decorative pattern using a specially designed tool or fork to create intricate designs.
- Add a spoonful of chopped walnuts to the center of each shaped dough.
- Bake:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (356°F).
- Place the shaped dough on a baking sheet and bake until golden, about 15-20 minutes.
- Once baked, remove from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes.
- Soak the Cookies:
- Drizzle the cooled syrup over the warm cookies, allowing them to absorb the liquid thoroughly.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Allow the cookies to cool completely as they soak up the syrup.
- Serve these delightful Walnut-Filled Syrup Cookies as a treat that combines traditional flavors with a touch of modern elegance.
Enjoy these delightful cookies that bring a taste of Turkish culinary tradition right into your kitchen, perfect for any occasion that calls for a sweet and sophisticated treat!
