Lebanese Easter Cookies

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ¾ cup butter (softened)
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons orange blossom water
• 1 cup finely chopped walnuts
• Confectioners’ sugar for dusting

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder.
3. In a large bowl, cream together the sugar and butter until light and fluffy.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing after each addition. Add the vanilla extract and orange blossom water and mix until combined.
5. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, stirring until just combined.
6. Stir in the walnuts.
7. Drop the cookie dough by the tablespoon onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
8. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden. Allow to cool completely before dusting with confectioners’ sugar.

Interesting Facts

• Lebanese Easter cookies are traditionally made with orange blossom water, which adds a delicate floral flavor.
• The walnuts give these cookies crunch and a nutty flavor.
• These cookies are often served on Easter morning in Middle Eastern countries.