These beloved Turkish village cookies, known as “Anne Kurabiyesi” (Mother’s Cookies), are the perfect accompaniment to afternoon tea or coffee. With their signature soft texture and golden-brown tops studded with walnuts, these cookies represent the essence of home baking. The secret lies in the perfect balance of yogurt and butter, creating cookies that are crispy on the outside yet tender and fluffy on the inside.
Ingredients
- 2 large eggs (reserve 1 egg yolk for brushing)
- 1 cup (200g / 7 oz) granulated sugar
- 1 cup minus 2 tablespoons (180ml / 6 fl oz) vegetable oil
- 1 cup (240ml / 8 fl oz) plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons (30g / 1 oz) butter, melted and cooled
- 3 teaspoons (12g / 0.4 oz) baking soda
- 5-5½ cups (625-688g / 22-24 oz) all-purpose flour (add gradually)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Chopped walnuts for topping
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Egg Mixture
Separate one egg yolk and set aside for brushing. In a large bowl, beat the remaining whole egg and egg white with sugar using a fork or whisk until well combined and sugar begins to dissolve.
Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients
Pour in the vegetable oil (slightly less than one full cup) and mix thoroughly. Add the melted butter at room temperature and combine well.
Step 3: Incorporate Yogurt
Add yogurt to the mixture and stir until smooth and well incorporated.
Step 4: Add Aromatics
Grate lemon zest directly into the mixture for fresh citrus aroma. Mix to distribute evenly throughout the batter.
Step 5: Add Baking Soda
Sprinkle baking soda over the mixture and stir well. This ingredient is crucial for the cookies’ distinctive flavor and texture.
Step 6: Gradually Add Flour
Begin adding flour gradually, mixing with a spoon initially. When the mixture becomes too thick to stir, switch to kneading by hand. Add flour until you achieve a soft dough that slightly sticks to your hands but holds together.
Step 7: Test Dough Consistency
The dough should be soft and pliable, not too firm or too sticky. If it’s too wet, add a bit more flour. If too dry, it will produce hard, bread-like cookies.
Step 8: Shape the Cookies
Lightly oil your palms to prevent sticking. Pinch off mandarin-sized portions of dough and roll into balls. These cookies are traditionally large, so don’t make them too small.
Step 9: Arrange on Baking Sheet
Place the shaped cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie as they will expand during baking.
Step 10: Apply Egg Wash
Brush the tops of each cookie with the reserved egg yolk using a pastry brush for a beautiful golden color.
Step 11: Add Toppings
Generously sprinkle chopped walnuts over each cookie, pressing lightly to help them adhere.
Step 12: Bake
Preheat oven to 180°C (356°F). Bake for 15-20 minutes until the tops are golden brown and slightly cracked, and the bottoms are lightly golden.
Step 13: Cool and Serve
Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Serve with tea or coffee.
Time and Serving Information
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Serves: Makes approximately 20-24 large cookies
Nutrition (Per Cookie)
Calories: 195 | Protein: 4g | Carbohydrates: 28g | Fat: 8g | Fiber: 1g
Why These Traditional Cookies Make Perfect Family Treats
These village-style cookies offer a wonderful balance of simple, wholesome ingredients that provide sustained energy and satisfaction. The yogurt contributes probiotics for digestive health and adds calcium and protein. Eggs provide high-quality protein and essential amino acids, while walnuts contribute healthy omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E. The moderate sugar content makes these cookies a reasonable treat when enjoyed as part of a balanced diet. The traditional recipe uses basic pantry staples, making it an economical way to create homemade treats that bring families together around the table for tea time or special occasions.