Description
These spicy gingerbread granola cookies are a delightful twist on traditional Russian Pryaniki, combining warm spices, molasses, and cinnamon raisin granola for a chewy, flavorful treat. Perfect for holiday baking or a cozy snack, these cookies offer a satisfying balance of sweetness and spice with a wholesome granola crunch.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1/3 cup light molasses
- 1/3 cup butter
- 1 egg, beaten
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cinnamon raisin granola (ensure it contains raisins or substitute with blended oats and raisins at a 2:1 ratio)
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Heat Molasses and Butter: In a small saucepan over low heat, warm the light molasses and butter, stirring occasionally until the butter fully melts. Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly before proceeding.
- Add Egg: Once the molasses and butter mixture is cooled sufficiently, stir in the beaten egg thoroughly to combine.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, cinnamon raisin granola, sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, and black pepper until evenly distributed.
- Mix Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the molasses and egg mixture, blending well each time to create a cohesive dough.
- Shape Cookies: Roll the dough into approximately 1-inch diameter balls and place them on an ungreased baking sheet, spaced slightly apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes until they are set and lightly firm to the touch.
- Finish and Store: While the cookies are still warm, dust them generously with powdered sugar. Allow to cool completely, then store in an airtight container. This recipe yields about 30 cookies.
Notes
- Ensure the granola contains raisins for authentic flavor; alternatively, mix oats and raisins at a 2:1 ratio for a homemade substitute.
- Do not grease the baking sheet, as the cookies will hold shape better and have a crisper bottom.
- Dusting with powdered sugar while warm helps it stick and creates a classic Pryaniki look and sweetness.
- Cookies are best stored in an airtight container to maintain freshness and chewiness.
- Adjust spices to taste if you prefer a milder or more intense flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Russian
