Soft, Chewy Rosh Hashanah Honey-Walnut Cookies Recipe

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• cup chopped walnuts
• cup butter
• cup brown sugar
• cup honey
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Stir in the chopped walnuts.
2. In another large bowl, beat the butter and brown sugar with an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add the honey, egg, and vanilla extract, and mix until fully incorporated.
3. Gradually fold the flour mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix.
4. Cover the dough and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or up to overnight.
5. Preheat your oven to 350F (175C). Lightly grease your baking sheets or line them with parchment paper.
6. Using a tablespoon, scoop the dough and roll it into balls. Place each ball onto the prepared baking sheet.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the cookies are puffy with a slight flatness in the middle (for a gooey texture).
8. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.

Cook's Note

The flavor of buckwheat honey is not recommended for this recipe.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrition Information (per serving)	Amount	% Daily Value
Calories	181
Total Fat	8g	11%
Saturated Fat	4g	20%
Cholesterol	23mg	8%
Sodium	175mg	8%
Total Carbohydrate	26g	9%
Dietary Fiber	1g	3%
Total Sugars	13g
Protein	3g	5%
Vitamin C	0mg	0%
Calcium	13mg	1%
Iron	1mg	5%
Potassium	47mg	1%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Soft, chewy, and subtly sweet, these honey-walnut cookies are a beloved treat during Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. With a texture that's slightly puffy and a warm honey aroma, they offer a comforting taste of tradition. Heres everything you need to know about this delicious dessert, including its origins, regional twists, and how it compares to similar treats.

History and Origin

The origins of honey cookies can be traced to Jewish culinary traditions that span centuries. Honey, a symbol of sweetness and prosperity, is central to many Rosh Hashanah foods. The practice of incorporating honey into desserts is meant to usher in a sweet new year. Honey cakes and cookies have been made for generations, though this particular recipe is a modern twist on a timeless tradition. It combines the rich flavor of honey with walnuts, creating a delightful fusion of sweetness and nuttiness.

Regional Variations

While this cookie is most often associated with Jewish communities, variations can be found across the globe. In the Middle East, similar cookies are made using a variety of nuts, spices, and sweeteners like date syrup or molasses. In Israel, for example, you might find honey cookies enriched with a touch of citrus zest or flavored with cinnamon. In Eastern Europe, honey cakes and cookies are often spiced with cardamom, cloves, and nutmeg, giving them a slightly more robust flavor profile.

What Makes These Cookies Unique?

Unlike many traditional honey cakes, which are dense and cake-like, these honey-walnut cookies are soft, chewy, and have a slightly puffed-up texture. The inclusion of brown sugar gives them a deep, caramelized flavor, while the walnuts add crunch and richness. Another distinguishing feature is their relatively low sugar content, which allows the honeys natural sweetness to shine without being overwhelming. The dough, when baked, remains soft and moist, with a slightly gooey center if removed just before fully set.

Where Are They Typically Served?

These cookies are most often served during Rosh Hashanah celebrations, both at festive meals and as part of a dessert table. They are ideal for pairing with tea or coffee and are often enjoyed as part of a spread of traditional Jewish pastries. Outside of Rosh Hashanah, they also make a perfect sweet snack for any occasion, offering a taste of comfort and nostalgia. In some Jewish communities, these cookies are also shared with friends and neighbors as a way of spreading good wishes for the year ahead.

Interesting Facts

• The tradition of eating honey at Rosh Hashanah is rooted in the belief that a sweet year will follow if one begins the year with sweet foods.
• Walnuts are commonly used in Jewish baking, symbolizing wisdom and learning, making them a perfect addition to these cookies.
• Some variations of honey cookies include spices like cinnamon, cloves, or ginger, which represent warmth, health, and longevity.
• These cookies freeze well, so they can be prepared ahead of time and stored for future celebrations or enjoyed as a sweet treat throughout the year.

Whether you are celebrating Rosh Hashanah or simply looking to try a new, flavorful cookie, these soft, chewy honey-walnut delights are sure to please. With their rich history, regional variations, and distinct texture, they are not just a treat but a connection to centuries of tradition.

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