GREEK VEGAN CHRISTMAS COOKIES: SKALTSOUNIA

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I am kicking off Christmas season with the most important delicacy: cookies! These Greek Christmas vegan cookies are called Skaltsounia (=Σκαλτσούνια in Greek) and they are consumed mostly at Christmas and during the various fasting periods. That’s why they are vegan! In the Cyclades islands, they are traditionally prepared for weddings too. They are made with the easiest homemade pastry phyllo that makes these cookies melt in your mouth. Nevertheless, the true secret is all in the rich stuffing: nuts, dried figs, raisins, sesame, and the jam of your preference (always strawberry for my clan). Finish them off with a light dusting of powdered sugar.

Seriously, now, there’s absolutely nothing better than these cookies and your coffee (preferably Greek coffee, lol). Perfect for breakfast, snack, Christmas parties, potluck, cookie swaps, you name it. These cookies cover all the bases and they will be a delightful surprise for everybody. And I mean EVERYBODY. Because I should not forget the most important part. They are 100% vegan and so delicious that while you taste them you think: “No way to be so simple and soooo good”. Yes way, my friends. The Greek Mediterranean way!

In Greece, you can find a variety of those pastries, using different kinds of stuffing, depending on the region. That means a wide variety of versions that gives you the opportunity to make your own cookies. For example, my kids like strawberry jam, my hubby hazelnut, and I am dying for dried figs. So I make a combo including all these preferences. Everybody is happy (and hungry). I added sesame this time and it definitely is a keeper. You shouldn’t forget to add raisins too.

THE STORY BEHIND THE RECIPE!

Are you here only for the recipe? No problem. Jump to the recipe. For those who want to find out more about the background of this recipe, keep on reading!

One of the four main fast periods yearly begins on November 15^th and ends on December 24^th.

40 days of fasting out of almost 200 days yearly. Yes, you got it right. In Greece, we practice more or less 200 days of strictly vegan food every year. There are even oil-free days which is even more difficult to practice. As you can see, the Orthodox religion has been transforming the Greek way of eating for centuries and although there are really strict and long fasting periods, the food remains delicious, versatile, and fulfilling.   

 The fasting period before Christmas is called the “Nativity Fast” and it is believed that it prepares the body and soul for the arrival of Christ. The Orthodox faithful abstains mostly from meat, fish, dairy products, and even olive oil (for some days) and focuses on prayer. Traditional Greek cuisine is rich in vegetables, legumes, grains, olive oil, and fruit, and during periods of fasting, we take advantage of the variety of these ingredients. Delicious plates with “ladera”, a whole food category with seasonal vegetables cooked with olive oil and served with grains, usually homemade bread and pita bread.

What about desserts? There are plenty of vegan desserts like this post’s recipe. We also use flour and semolina combined with nuts, fruits, honey, and olive oil. 

THE RECIPE

Taste aside, it’s so easy to make: just mix up the dough, prepare the stuffing, combine and bake.

STEP #1

In a bowl combine the dry ingredients (flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, salt) and whisk to mix. In a small bowl combine olive oil with orange juice. Add to the dry ingredients and whisk to mix.

STEP#2

Use your hands to mix it well (but don’t overwork it) and form a ball of soft dough that doesn’t stick to hands. Cover the bowl with a kitchen towel and let the dough rest until you prepare the stuffing, for about 30 minutes.

STEP#3

In a bowl combine all nuts, spices, and jam. Use a fork (or your hands) to mix it well. 

STEP#4

Divide the dough in half and then into 4 disks.

STEP#5

Roll out the dough on a lightly floured work surface to 0.4 inch (1 cm) thickness.

STEP#6

Cut out the dough using a cookie cutter or a small plate about 3-4 inches (8-10 cm) round pieces.

STEP#7

Use a teaspoon of the nut-spice stuffing to top each dough piece.

STEP#8

Use your hand and carefully fold the dough in half to enclose the stuffing. Press gently the edges with your fingers and transfer the cookies to a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Work fast because if the cookies stand for a long time, they lose their shape and get dry.

STEP#9

Bake on the middle rack of the oven for 20 minutes or until golden brown.

Let them cool for a while and sprinkle with rosewater or honey water. It is rather difficult to find rosewater so you can easily make honey water. Warm up 5 tablespoons of water and add a teaspoon of honey. Remove from heat in a couple of minutes and use a spray to sprinkle the cookies.  

STEP #10

Place them on a platter or food container and cover with powdered sugar and ground cinnamon (optional).

MY GREEK CHRISTMAS VEGAN COOKIES ARE READY! NOW, WHAT?

Enjoy them with a hot cup of coffee or herbal tea.

You may make them even a month before Christmas. Bake them and keep them out of the fridge in a well-sealed food container. If I want to serve them or offer them as a gift, dust some additional powdered sugar over them. They will last one month for sure and even more.

 

If you make this recipe, you have to let me know! I absolutely love your feedback. This is a huge motivation for me and it keeps 30daysofgreekfood’s kitchen alive. Bookmark this recipe and leave your rate and comment below, or take a photo with your Greek Christmas vegan cookies and tag me on Instagram with #30daysofgreekfood and Facebook with @30daysofgreekfood.