Honey Cookies
This recipe has been in my family for generations and is more lovingly referred to as “Tante Johana” cookies. They have the rich flavour of a ginger snap cookie with the consistency of a muffin — fluffy and addictive if made correctly. The key to this dough is chilling it overnight — so be patient, because they are well worth the wait.
— Alysha
Time: 30 minutes (plus overnight for dough)
Difficulty: 3/5
Tested: YES
Makes: 56 Cookies
Ingredients
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup butter
1/4 cup honey
1/4 molasses
1 egg
1/2 cup sour cream
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp baking powder
2 3/8 cups flour (approx)
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp allspice
1/2 tsp ground cloves
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/2 tsp salt
Glaze
1/2 cup powdered sugar
2 tbsp lemon, freshly squeezed
Method
Combine sugar, butter, honey and molasses in pot over low heat until melted. Let stand until cool.
In a separate bowl, sift 2 cups of the flour with the baking soda, baking powder, spices and salt together. Set aside.
Once honey mixture is at least room temperature — whisk in sour cream and egg until there are no clumps. Mix in the dry ingredients and then add the additional 3/8 cup of flour in 1/8 cup increments** until the dough starts to come together but still has movement (it will resemble the consistency of chocolate chip cookie dough). Place in fridge overnight (DO NOT SKIP — this step is necessary so that the cookies hold their shape and puff up).
The next day, preheat oven to 350 F. Divide dough into two and roll half of the dough on a floured surfaced until 1/4 inch thick (keeping other half of dough in fridge while you do this). Use a 1.5 inch sized circular cookie cutter to cut shapes.
Place cookies on baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake to 10-12 minutes until bottom is slightly golden. Let cool completely before icing.
To Make Icing. Whisk together powdered sugar and lemon. Dip the cookies upside, shaking off excess icing and placing on wired rack to harden. Store in an airtight container.
**Adding in increments decreases the probability that you will add too much flour. You may need more or less based on the climate you live in.