These delightful Turkish tea cookies, passed down through generations, combine the perfect balance of sweetness and texture. Their golden-brown exterior and tender crumb make them an irresistible treat that pairs perfectly with afternoon tea or coffee. This heritage recipe showcases the simplicity of traditional baking while delivering exceptional results that will have everyone reaching for seconds.
Ingredients
For approximately 40 cookies:
Dough
- Eggs: 3 large (150g)
- Granulated sugar: 160g (5.6 oz / 3/4 cup)
- Plain yogurt: 240g (8.5 oz / 1 cup)
- Vegetable oil: 200ml (6.8 fl oz / 3/4 cup + 2 tablespoons)
- All-purpose flour: 720g (25.4 oz / 6 cups)
- Baking powder: 10g (2 teaspoons)
- Vanilla sugar: 5g (1 teaspoon)
Topping
- Granulated sugar for sprinkling
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven
- Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F)
- Line baking sheets with parchment paper
- Mix Wet Ingredients
- In a large bowl, beat eggs and granulated sugar until well combined
- Add yogurt and vegetable oil
- Mix until smooth and homogeneous
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients
- Sift together flour and baking powder
- Add vanilla sugar
- Gradually incorporate into wet ingredients
- Mix until a soft, manageable dough forms
- Shape the Cookies
- Divide dough into 40 equal portions
- Roll each portion into a smooth ball
- Place on prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each cookie
- Sprinkle tops with granulated sugar
- Bake
- Bake for 15-18 minutes until lightly golden
- Cookies should be set but not browned
- Cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring
Timing
- Prep time: 25 minutes
- Baking time: 15-18 minutes per batch
- Cooling time: 15 minutes
- Total time: approximately 1 hour
Nutritional Information
Per cookie:
- Calories: 140
- Protein: 2.5g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fat: 6g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Sugar: 6g
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for optimal mixing
- Use a light-colored baking sheet to prevent over-browning
- Maintain consistent sizing for even baking
- Don’t overwork the dough to keep cookies tender
- Check cookies at 15 minutes to prevent over-baking
Variations and Substitutions
- Replace vanilla sugar with 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Add lemon or orange zest for citrus variation
- Use Greek yogurt for richer texture
- Substitute part of flour with almond flour for nutty flavor
- Roll in powdered sugar instead of granulated sugar
Common FAQs
Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A: Yes, refrigerate for up to 24 hours, but bring to room temperature before shaping.
Q: Why did my cookies crack on top?
A: This is normal and adds to their rustic charm.
Q: Can I freeze these cookies?
A: Yes, they freeze well for up to 3 months in an airtight container.
Q: How do I know when they’re done baking?
A: Cookies should be lightly golden on top and set around the edges.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week
- Freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months
- Dough can be refrigerated overnight
- Layer cookies between parchment paper to prevent sticking
- Refresh stored cookies in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes
These traditional Turkish tea cookies represent the perfect balance of simplicity and sophistication. Their tender crumb and delicate sweetness make them an ideal accompaniment to hot beverages, while their straightforward preparation ensures consistent results. Whether served at formal gatherings or casual family moments, these cookies carry the warmth and comfort of generations of home baking tradition.
