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Turkish delight cookies – a unique treat for your holiday table.
Crunchy outside with a chewy Turkish delight filling, these cookies are festive and delightful to eat. Perfect for holidays, tea parties, or as a thoughtful homemade gift. A spin on Bulgarian “lokumki” cookies.
If you are looking for more European cookie recipes, you may also like these Cream Cheese Spritz Cookies, Pistachio Cookies or Mushroom Cookies.
Why You’ll Love This Cookie Recipe
- Unique Flavor Combination: The tender cookie dough encasing the chewy sweetness of Turkish Delight creates a truly one-of-a-kind treat. You have the option to make these cookies with shortbread dough or crunchier dough make with Greek yogurt.
- Easy Yet Impressive: These cookies look fancy, but they’re very simple to make.
- Versatile: Customize them with your favorite flavors of Turkish Delight (rose, orange or pomegranate) for endless possibilities.
Turkish Delight
Turkish Delight, or “lokum,” is a centuries-old confection that originated in the Ottoman Empire. Made from sugar, starch, and natural flavorings like rosewater or citrus, it is prized for its delicate, chewy texture and subtle sweetness.
Traditionally dusted with powdered sugar, Turkish Delight is often flavored with rose, orange, or lemon and can include nuts like pistachios or hazelnuts. Its unique texture and flavors make it the perfect surprise filling for these buttery cookies.
As a Bulgarian, I’m familiar with this ingredient and love it. Of course I try to consume it in moderation.
Recipe Tips
- Choosing Turkish Delight: Use firm, sugar-coated Turkish Delight for the best results. Softer varieties may melt too much during baking.
- Sealing the Dough: Make sure the dough is securely sealed around the Turkish Delight to prevent any filling from leaking.
- Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If stacking, use parchment paper between layers.
- Freezing: You can freeze the unbaked cookies for up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 2-3 extra minutes to the baking time.
- Dough Variations: My grandma also has a couple other variation of this recipe with a different dough. First – you can make these with shortbread dough, just make sure it is well chilled and not sticky and it will result into softer and buttery cookies. Second – there is a dough variation made with dry white wine, where cookies are shaped into balls. I’m planning to share this variation in the future.
Variations/Toppings/Fillings/Serving Suggestions
- Flavors: Experiment with different Turkish Delight flavors and add a pinch of citrus zest (orange or lemon) to the dough for extra flavor.
- Nuts: Add a sprinkle of finely chopped pistachios or almonds on top before baking for added crunch.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted dark or white chocolate over the cooled cookies for a luxurious finish.
Alternative Fillings
Not everyone loves Turkish Delight, but this dough is versatile! Try these other filling ideas:
- Nuts: A 1/4 walnut or pecan.
- Dried Fruit: Chopped apricots, cranberries, or dates.
- Jam: Apricot, rosehip, or raspberry.
- Chocolate: Small chunks or a teaspoon of Nutella.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies are perfect for:
- Tea Time: Pair with a steaming cup of tea or Turkish coffee.
- Holiday Platters: Add them to your holiday cookie tray for a stunning centerpiece.
- Gifts: Wrap them in decorative boxes or bags for a thoughtful homemade gift.
With their delicate appearance and irresistible flavor, these Turkish Delight Cookies are sure to become a favorite for any special occasion.
Turkish Delight Cookies
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 2.5 oz 70 g softened butter
- 100 ml neutral oil
- 2 large eggs
- 7 oz 200 g plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 4 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 4 cups 500 g all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
For the Filling:
- 400 g Turkish Delight, cut into 2×1 cm rectangles
Optional Topping:
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
Prepare the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, oil, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
- In a separate small bowl, stir the baking powder into the Greek yogurt (optional, for extra fluffiness). Add the yogurt mixture to the wet ingredients and stir until combined.
- Sift in the flour and salt, mixing gradually until a soft, non-sticky dough forms. Let the dough rest for 15 minutes.
Preheat & Prep:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Shape the Cookies:
- Divide the dough into 4 equal portions. Keep the dough covered to prevent drying out.
- On a floured surface, roll one portion at a time into a thin sheet, about 1/4 inch thick.
- Cut the dough into 8 triangles. Place a piece of Turkish Delight at the wide edge of each triangle.
- Roll up the triangles starting at the wide end, forming a log. Repeat with the remaining dough.
Bake:
- Arrange the rolled cookies on the prepared baking sheets, leaving a bit of space between each. Bake for 15-16 minutes or until lightly golden.
Cool & Dust:
- Transfer the baked cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. Dust generously with powdered sugar before serving.
Video
Notes
Storage
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Refrigerator: Keep in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
- Freezer: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
Tips
- Work Quickly: Keep the dough covered while shaping to prevent drying.
- Cut Uniformly: For evenly baked cookies, ensure the dough triangles are similar in size.
- Cooling: Allow the cookies to cool completely before dusting with powdered sugar to avoid melting.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
