Red Wine & Cinnamon Cookies
These crunchy, aromatic cookies are made with olive oil, red wine, and warm spices—perfect for the holidays or any time you crave a traditional Greek treat.
- Prep15 min
- Cook25 min
- Total40 min
- DifficultyEasy
- Servings60
These cinnamon-spiced cookies are a staple in Greek households, especially around Christmas. The combination of olive oil and red wine gives them a unique texture—crunchy on the outside yet tender inside—while the cinnamon and clove fill your kitchen with an irresistible aroma.
They come together quickly with simple pantry ingredients and can be shaped into any form you like. A sprinkle of brown sugar and sesame seeds adds a lovely crunch and a hint of caramelized sweetness.
Ingredients
Servings
Converted amounts are rounded.
Method
- In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar and olive oil. In a small cup, dissolve the baking soda in the orange juice, then pour into the bowl. Add the red wine, cinnamon, ground clove, orange zest, and roasted sesame seeds. Whisk well until everything is combined.
- Sift the flour with the baking powder. Add half of the flour to the wet mixture and start kneading. Gradually add the remaining flour and knead until the dough is smooth and not sticky. Do not overwork the dough—it should be soft but not sticky. You may need slightly more or less flour depending on the type.
- Preheat the oven to 340°F. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper. Shape the dough into small cookies with your hands, forming any shape you like. Place them on the prepared sheets, sprinkle with brown sugar (if using), and bake for 25–30 minutes, until golden and nicely colored. Let cool before serving.
💡 Tips
- For extra crunch, toast the sesame seeds in a dry pan until golden before adding.
- If the dough feels too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time.
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to two weeks.
Inspired by a recipe from My Greek Dish