Turkish cookies – Sekerpare
Ingredients
- 2 eggs
- 1 1/2 sticks unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 tbsp fine semolina
- 2 tbsp coconut powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 3 to 4 cups all purpose flour
Syrup
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 3 cups water
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Egg wash
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 to 2 drops water
Garnish
- About 1/4 cup toasted blanched whole almonds
Instructions
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First we prepare the syrup by putting the sugar and water in a saucepan over medium heat.
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Mix well and bring to a boil.
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Let boil for about 10 minutes then add lemon juice.
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Take off heat and let cool.
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In a large bowl, put sugar, coconut and the softened butter.
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Mix well, then add the eggs one at the time.
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Add vanilla extract, semolina and baking powder.
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Add the flour gradually . Mix obtain a nice soft dough.
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Form walnut size balls and put them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. If you have use a baking tray with high edges. Make sure to leave enough space between the cookies.
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Push a whole almond in the center of each ball.
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Mix the egg yolk with the drops of water, then brush the cookies with the egg wash.
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Bake in a 350ยฐF preheated oven for about 20 to 25 minutes or until golden.
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Put under the broiler(on low) in the last 5 minutes.
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Transfer the cookies to a large deep dish.
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Pour the cold syrup on all the cookies (hot) and let absorb for more than 2 hours.
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Enjoy.
Recipe Notes
- You can substitute vanilla extract with vanilla sugar (1 tsp).
- If you donโt have coconut powder, you can substitute it with coconut flakes( put in food processor and process for 2 to 3 seconds.