Turkish biscuits with pekmez (a type of fruit syrup) and spices

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 180 °C. ⏱ ≈ 10 min
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the pekmez and water, then whisk. ≈ 4 min
3. Add the melted butter, sugar, and honey. Whisk for about 5 minutes until the sugar is completely dissolved. ⏱ 5 min
4. Add the yeast to the same mixing bowl and whisk until it is completely dissolved. ≈ 4 min
5. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, cinnamon, and cloves. ≈ 4 min
6. Add the flour mixture to the liquid and mix with a spoon until a firm dough forms that holds its shape when squeezed. ≈ 4 min
7. Mix the ingredients gently, to prevent the butter from separating from the dough. ≈ 10 min
8. Divide the dough into 20 to 22 pieces. ≈ 3 min
9. Roll each piece of dough into a 10 cm log, then close it up into a circle. ≈ 10 min
10. Arrange the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 to 3 cm apart. ≈ 3 min
11. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, but don’t overcook them. ⏱ 20 min
12. For softer cookies, cover them with aluminum foil for the first 15 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes without it. ⏱ 15 min
13. Let cool on a wire rack before serving. ⏱ ≈ 20 min