Traditional Lithuanian Meduoliai (Honey Cookies) Recipe

Ingredients

3 cups of flour
1 cup of sugar
1 cup of honey
1 teaspoon of baking soda
1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon of ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon of ground allspice
1/4 teaspoon of salt
2 large eggs
1/2 cup of unsalted butter
Grated zest of 1 lemon
Grated zest of 1 orange
1/2 cup of blanched almonds, finely chopped

Steps and instructions

In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, honey, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, allspice, and salt.
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs until they are light and fluffy.
Melt the butter and allow it to cool slightly, then add it to the egg mixture along with the grated lemon and orange zest.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing well after each addition.
Stir in the finely chopped almonds.
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it until it is smooth and elastic.
Roll the dough out to a thickness of about 1/4 inch and cut out shapes using cookie cutters.
Place the cut-out cookies onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies are golden brown.
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tools for making

Mixing Bowl - A large bowl to combine the dry ingredients and wet ingredients.
Whisk - Used to beat the eggs until they are light and fluffy.
Measuring Cups - To accurately measure the flour, sugar, honey, and butter.
Measuring Spoons - To measure the baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, allspice, and salt.
Grater - Used to grate the zest of the lemon and orange.
Knife - To finely chop the blanched almonds.
Rolling Pin - Used to roll out the dough to the desired thickness.
Cookie Cutters - For cutting out shapes from the rolled dough.
Baking Sheet - A flat sheet pan for baking the cookies.
Parchment Paper - To line the baking sheet and prevent sticking.
Wire Rack - Used to cool the cookies after baking.
Flour - For dusting the surface while rolling out the dough.

Recipe variations

Substitute the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier alternative.
Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the spice mixture for a different flavor profile.
Replace the blanched almonds with chopped walnuts, pecans, or pistachios for added texture and flavor.
For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour.
If you prefer a crispier texture, roll the dough thinner before cutting out the shapes.
Add a tablespoon of cocoa powder to the dry ingredients for a chocolatey twist.
For a fruitier flavor, mix in dried cranberries, raisins, or chopped dried apricots to the dough.
Make a vegan version by replacing the eggs with a flaxseed or chia seed egg substitute and using plant-based butter.
Drizzle the cooled cookies with a glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice for added sweetness.
Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract or almond extract to the wet ingredients for a subtle flavor enhancement.

Recipe overview

Meduoliai, also known as Lithuanian honey cookies, are a delightful treat brimming with sweet, honey-infused flavor and a hint of warm spices. This recipe offers a step-by-step guide to creating these popular cookies at home. Expect a dough that is a joy to work with and results in cookies with a perfect balance of crispness and chewiness. Laced with cinnamon, cloves, and allspice, these cookies will fill your kitchen with an enchanting aroma. The addition of zesty lemon and orange, plus a little crunch from finely chopped almonds, rounds out the taste experience. Whether you're baking for a special occasion or simply wanting to try a new and exciting cookie recipe, these Meduoliai are sure to impress. Enjoy the process and the delicious result!

Common questions

Can I substitute the honey with another sweetener? Yes, you can substitute honey with an equal amount of maple syrup or agave nectar.
Can I use margarine instead of butter? Yes, you can use margarine as a substitute for butter in this recipe.
Can I omit the almonds or use a different nut? Yes, you can omit the almonds if you have a nut allergy or prefer not to use them. Alternatively, you can replace them with another finely chopped nut like walnuts or pecans.
Can I refrigerate the dough overnight? Yes, you can refrigerate the dough overnight if you want to make it ahead of time. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out.
Can I freeze the baked cookies? Yes, you can freeze the baked cookies. Allow them to cool completely, then store them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They should stay fresh for up to 2-3 months in the freezer.
Can I decorate the cookies with icing or frosting? Yes, you can decorate the Meduoliai cookies with icing or frosting. Once the cookies have cooled completely, you can use royal icing, buttercream frosting, or any other type of icing to decorate them as desired.

Serving dishes and utensils

Mixing bowl - A large bowl to mix the ingredients together.
Whisk - Used to beat the eggs until light and fluffy.
Measuring cups and spoons - Essential for accurately measuring the ingredients.
Baking sheet - A flat pan used to place the cut-out cookies for baking.
Parchment paper - Lined on the baking sheet to prevent the cookies from sticking.
Rolling pin - Used to roll out the dough to the desired thickness.
Cookie cutters - Used to cut out various shapes from the dough.
Wire rack - Used to cool the baked cookies.
Spatula - Helps in transferring the cookies from the baking sheet to the wire rack.

Origin stories

Meduoliai, the honey-spiced cookies from Lithuania, bring a touch of Baltic charm to any table. Their history fascinatingly harks back to the ancient traditions of Balt tribes who believed honey had magical properties. This belief resulted in the creation of these cookies, often beautifully decorated and shared at significant life events, from weddings to Christmas Eve celebrations. It is said that the intricate patterns imprinted on these cookies were not just for show, but they carried symbolic meanings and well-wishes for those who received them. To this day, you'll find these cookies in almost every Lithuanian home during the holiday season, carrying forward the traditions and tales of the old. The blend of spices and sweetness in each bite encapsulates the warm Lithuanian hospitality, making every Meduoliai cookie a memento of history and culture.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.