500g(4 cups) plain flouryou may need to use a little more or a little less
Topping
150g(1 cup) walnutsfinely chopped
125g(1 cup) pistachio nutsfinely chopped
1tbspcinnamonoptional
1tbsprose petalscompletely optional - they just look pretty
Instructions
Make the syrup
The honey syrup needs to be made while the cookies are baking as it must be ready when they come out of the oven. Put all the ingredients in a large saucepan, stir together then bring to the boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook, stirring, for 5-10 minutes until slightly thickened. Discard any foam that forms on top of the syrup.
Remove the cinnamon stick and orange peel. Lower the heat to lowest setting and keep the syrup warm until cookies are ready.
Prepare the cookies
Preheat the oven to 170C (340F). Line two large baking trays with paper.
Put the oil, butter, sugar and all the spices in the bowl of your stand mixer and beat together with the paddle attachment for about 5 minutes.
Mix the orange juice, alcohol, baking powder and bicarbonate of soda – the mixture will fizz and froth.
Add it to the mixing bowl together with the salt and orange zest and beat together on medium. Gradually add the flour until the dough forms a ball – you can also fold it in by hand. Once the cookies hold their shape you can stop adding flour. Only use as much as you need.
Roll the cookies into small balls (size of a walnut) and place on the trays, slightly spaced apart.
Bake for 25-30 minutes until evenly coloured and firm.
Add the syrup
Remove from the oven and drop them, a few at a time, into the simmering syrup for 1-2 minutes, flipping them over to soak evenly. Continue until all the cookies are used up.
Layer the cookies on a platter, spoon any remaining syrup over them and sprinkle with the chopped nuts and cinnamon (if using). Keep at room temperature, loosely covered with foil.