Israeli Honey Cookies

Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves: 60 Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Delicate Israeli honey cookies combine the richness of honey, chocolate, nuts, and oats for a sweet, nutty treat perfect for sharing with friends and family.

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup sifted flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup soft shortening
  • 1 egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1/2 cup rolled oats
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
  • 1/2 cup seedless raisins
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate pieces

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
  2. Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt; set aside.
  3. With an electric mixer at medium speed, mix shortening, egg, vanilla, and honey until very light and fluffy.
  4. At low speed, beat in the flour mixture, oats, chopped walnuts, raisins, and chopped chocolate.
  5. Drop by teaspoonfuls onto a greased cookie sheet and flatten with a fork.
  6. Bake for 10 minutes.

Tips & Substitutions

For a lighter texture, ensure your shortening is very soft before mixing. You can substitute the walnuts with pecans or omit them altogether for a nut-free version. If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the honey slightly or use a sugar substitute. Adding a pinch of cinnamon can enhance the flavor profile, making them reminiscent of Old Southern Corn Pone.

Serving Suggestions

These Israeli Honey Cookies are delightful with a cup of tea or coffee. For a special treat, serve them alongside Mint Meringues for a sweet variety. They also make a great addition to a dessert platter at gatherings. Enjoy them warm, or pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to three months. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven at 350°F for a few minutes until they are crisp again.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Israeli Honey Cookies contains roughly 711 calories, with 11g protein, 78g carbohydrates, and 35g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (55% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (26% of the Daily Value), and protein (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1852mg per serving (81% of the Daily Value).

711 kcal 36% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 11.5g 23% DV
Total Fat 34.5g 44% DV
Carbs 78.5g 29% DV
Fiber 5.9g 21% DV
Sugar 30.6g 61% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1852.2mg 81% DV
Potassium 350.7mg 7% DV
Cholesterol 3.2mg 1% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 232.7mcg 26% DV
Vitamin C 0.6mg 1% DV
Calcium 167.4mg 13% DV
Iron 9.9mg 55% DV
Diet fit High-fiber
Contains Egg Wheat/Gluten Tree nuts

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and added nutrition. However, keep in mind that this may slightly alter the texture, making the cookies denser.

What can I use instead of shortening?

You can replace shortening with an equal amount of unsalted butter or coconut oil for a richer flavor. If using butter, be sure it’s softened for easier mixing. This will give the cookies a different taste and texture, resulting in a more traditional cookie feel.

How can I make these cookies gluten-free?

To make these cookies gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that the blend contains xanthan gum for proper binding. Additionally, check that all other ingredients, like oats and chocolate, are certified gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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