Honey Cookies for Rosh Hashanah: Simple Glazed Recipe

With just two weeks remaining until Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, home cooks are searching for the perfect recipes to grace their holiday tables. Among the airy honey cakes and impressive first courses that traditionally mark the celebration, one recipe consistently stands out: classic homemade honey cookies that are soft and tender inside with a crisp white glaze on the outside.

This recipe is particularly suited for those who want to impress guests at the holiday meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The cookies emerge with a wonderful texture, and the aroma of honey and spices fills the home even before they leave the oven. The best part? They become even softer and more flavorful the next day.

For 30 cookies:

- 3 cups white flour

- 1 teaspoon baking powder

- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves (optional)

- 1/2 cup dark brown sugar

- 1/2 cup honey

- 1/2 cup canola oil

- 1 large egg

- 2 tablespoons water

- 1 cup powdered sugar

- 1–2 tablespoons hot water or milk

METHOD

Whisk together honey, oil, brown sugar, egg, and water in a large bowl until uniform.
In a separate bowl, mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and cloves.
Transfer the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until a sticky, uniform dough forms

4. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour until the dough firms up.

5. Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

6. Form small walnut-sized balls from the dough and put them on the sheet with spacing.

7. Bake for 10–12 minutes until lightly golden and soft to the touch.

8. Allow to cool completely.

9. Mix powdered sugar with hot water to create a smooth, thick glaze.

10. Dip the top portion of the cooled cookies into the coating.

11. Place on a wire rack to dry until the glaze hardens and store in an airtight container at room temperature.

While honey cakes are the undisputed stars of the Rosh Hashanah table, these classic honey cookies manage to steal the show every time. The simple recipe, perfect texture, and wonderful aroma make them a must-bake this year. Beyond these cookies, the holiday table can be completed with additional original dishes that will surprise guests and usher in a sweet and good new year.