Broas de mel

Broas de mel

Broas de mel are traditional Portuguese honey cookies, typically enjoyed around the holidays. Here’s a basic recipe for you:

Ingredients:

  • 500g (about 4 cups) all-purpose flour
  • 200g (1 cup) honey
  • 150g (3/4 cup) granulated sugar
  • 100g (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • A pinch of salt
  • Optional: sesame seeds or sugar for coating

Instructions:

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, sugar, and honey until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time.
  3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, spices, and salt.
  4. Combine Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. The dough will be thick.
  5. Shape Cookies: Scoop tablespoons of dough and roll into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. You can flatten them slightly with your fingers or the back of a spoon.
  6. Optional Coating: If desired, roll the cookie balls in sesame seeds or granulated sugar before placing them on the baking sheet.
  7. Bake: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers should still be soft.
  8. Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Enjoy your Broas de Mel! They should be slightly chewy and sweet with a lovely honey flavor.