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EthiopianAuthentic Cuisine

Cinnamon Tea Cookies

Serves 4 to 6 Pastry vegetarian, Breads & Pastry

Cinnamon Tea Cookies

Cinnamon Tea Cookies accompany the cherished Ethiopian coffee ceremony, a daily tradition where the scent of roasting beans and spiced treats fills the air. This recipe brings the warmth of family gatherings with each batch, offering a taste of everyday life that celebrates both simplicity and flavor.

These cookies balance the gentle sweetness of sugar with the aromatic depth of ground cardamom, creating a delicate yet inviting treat. With each bite, expect a crisp exterior yielding to a tender crumb, underscored by the subtle warmth of cinnamon. While they are perfect companions for a steaming cup of coffee, their comforting allure stands strong on its own.

Ingredients

  • 2 cupsall-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cupsugar
  • 1/4 cupoil or butter
  • 1/2 cupwater
  • 1 tspground cardamom
  • 1/2 tspfine salt

Method

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup sugar, 1 tsp ground cardamom, and 1/2 tsp fine salt. Stir these dry ingredients together with a whisk or fork to ensure the cardamom and salt are evenly distributed throughout the flour and sugar.
  2. Add 1/4 cup of oil or melted butter to the dry mixture, followed by 1/2 cup of water. Use a wooden spoon or your hands to mix the ingredients until a smooth dough forms. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky, but not too wet. If it feels too dry, add a teaspoon of water at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
  3. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rest for about 15 minutes. This resting period allows the flour to fully hydrate and makes the dough easier to work with when shaping the cookies.
  4. After resting, take small portions of the dough and roll them into balls about the size of a walnut. Flatten each ball gently with your palm or a rolling pin to form discs about 1/4 inch thick. This will ensure they cook evenly.
  5. Preheat a mitad or a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. If using oil, add just enough to lightly coat the cooking surface. Place the shaped cookies onto the hot surface, leaving space between each one to allow for even cooking.
  6. Cook the cookies for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown. You will notice a fragrant aroma as the cardamom and sugar caramelize, and the edges will become slightly crisp.
  7. Once cooked, transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool slightly. They should be warm to the touch but firm enough to hold their shape. Serve them warm as part of a traditional coffee ceremony or as a delightful snack.
Cover of Authentic Ethiopian Cuisine
From the cookbook

Authentic Ethiopian Cuisine

This recipe is from Authentic Ethiopian Cuisine by Yassine Sbiti — the Ethiopian volume in the ComidaTime International Cuisines series.