Description
Pryaniki are traditional Russian honey spice cookies known for their soft texture and warm, aromatic flavors. These cookies combine honey, spices like allspice and anise, and a coffee-infused dough to create a subtly sweet and richly spiced treat. After baking, they are dipped in a sweet glaze that adds a delicate sheen and extra moisture. Perfect for holiday celebrations or any time you crave comforting, spiced baked goods.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough
- 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
Glaze
- 4 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup milk
Instructions
- Dissolve Coffee: In a medium saucepan, dissolve the instant coffee in the hot water, stirring until fully dissolved.
- Combine Butter, Sugar, and Honey: Add butter, granulated sugar, and honey to the coffee mixture. Heat on medium, stirring until the butter melts and sugar dissolves fully, yielding a homogenous syrup. Remove from heat and pour into a large bowl to cool for 10-15 minutes.
- Add Spices: Stir in the vanilla extract, allspice, grated nutmeg, and anise to the cooled mixture. Optionally, additional spices such as cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, or cloves may be added.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: Whisk in the eggs, followed by the baking soda dissolved in vinegar and baking powder. Observe a slight fizz as the leavening activates.
- Incorporate Flour: Gradually add the all-purpose flour, mixing with a large wooden spoon until fully combined into a dough.
- Rest Dough: Cover the dough with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel and let it rest at room temperature for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight to develop flavor and texture.
- Preheat Oven: Set oven to 325°F (163°C) and line rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Shape Cookies: Using a tablespoon measuring scoop, portion out dough and roll into balls about 1 tablespoon each. Place on the baking sheet allowing room for expansion.
- Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes until just set. Avoid overbaking to keep cookies soft.
- Prepare Glaze: Meanwhile, whisk powdered sugar and milk in a large bowl until smooth. Optionally add flavor extracts like vanilla or almond to the glaze.
- Glaze Cookies: Once cookies are completely cooled, dip each into the glaze and allow excess to drip off. Place glazed cookies on a rack or parchment to dry. When dry, flip and glaze the other side if desired. Work quickly as the glaze thickens fast.
- Store: Keep glazed cookies in a sealed container at room temperature for optimal freshness.
Notes
- Resting the dough is essential for developing the signature texture and flavor; do not skip or shorten this step.
- Do not overbake the cookies to maintain their soft and tender bite.
- The glaze can be flavored with different extracts to customize taste.
- Use a measuring scoop to ensure even cookie sizes for uniform baking.
- These cookies can be stored at room temperature for up to one week when kept in an airtight container.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes active, plus 4 hours resting
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Russian
Keywords: Pryaniki, Russian honey spice cookies, honey cookies, spiced cookies, holiday cookies, glazed cookies
