Ingredients

1/2 cup instant coffee

1/2 cup hot water

1 cup butter

1 cup granulated sugar

1 1/2 cups honey

1-2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon allspice

1/4 teaspoon grated nutmeg

1/2 teaspoon anise (ground or liquid extract)

2 eggs

1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda dissolved in 1 teaspoon white vinegar

1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

6 cups all-purpose flour

4 1/2 cups powdered sugar

1/2 cup milk

Instructions

Step 1: In a medium saucepan, dissolve the instant coffee in the hot water.

Step 2: Add the butter, sugar, and honey to the dissolved coffee. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring until the butter melts and sugar dissolves completely. Remove from heat and pour into a large bowl to cool for 10-15 minutes.

Step 3: Stir in the vanilla extract, allspice, grated nutmeg, and anise. Feel free to add cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves, or mint extract for extra flavor.

Step 4: Whisk in the eggs, followed by the baking soda dissolved in vinegar and the baking powder. You will notice the mixture fizzing slightly.

Step 5: Add the flour gradually, mixing with a large wooden spoon until fully incorporated into a dough.

Step 6: Cover the dough with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel and let it rest at room temperature for at least 4 hours or overnight.

Step 7: Preheat the oven to 325°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 8: Shape the dough into 1 tablespoon-sized balls using a measuring scoop. Roll each ball in your hands to smooth it, then place them on the baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie.

Step 9: Bake for 20-25 minutes. Avoid overbaking to keep the cookies soft.

Step 10: While cookies bake, whisk powdered sugar and milk in a large bowl to make a glaze. Add extracts like vanilla, mint, or almond if desired.

Step 11: Dip the cooled cookies into the glaze, allowing excess to drip off. Place on a rack or parchment paper to dry. Once dry, flip and glaze the other side. Work quickly as the glaze thickens; thin with a little milk if needed.

Step 12: Store the glazed cookies at room temperature in a sealed container.

Tips & Variations

For a richer flavor, let the dough rest overnight. This deepens the spices and honey aroma.

You can experiment with different spices like cinnamon or cardamom to customize the flavor.

If you prefer a thicker glaze, use less milk; for a thinner glaze, add a bit more milk gradually.

Use liquid anise extract for a more pronounced licorice flavor, or ground anise for subtlety.

FAQs

Can I make Pryaniki without coffee?

Yes, the coffee adds a subtle depth but is not essential. You can replace it with an equal amount of hot water or a mild tea infusion without changing the texture significantly.

How long should the dough rest before baking?

Allow the dough to rest at room temperature for at least 4 hours, but overnight is ideal. This resting time helps develop flavor and results in a tender cookie.