Honey Almond Semolina Cookies

Golden, syrup-soaked, and delicately nutty, these honey almond semolina cookies are a beloved Middle Eastern–style treat with a crisp exterior and soft, tender interior. Finished with fragrant honey syrup and toasted almonds, they deliver comforting sweetness and rich buttery flavor in every bite—perfect for tea time, celebrations, or sharing with loved ones.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy outside, tender inside – Semolina creates a unique texture that’s both delicate and satisfying.
• Naturally fragrant sweetness – Honey syrup adds depth without overwhelming the cookies.
• Authentic Middle Eastern inspiration – Simple ingredients come together in a traditional-style dessert.
• Perfect make-ahead treat – Flavor improves as the syrup soaks in overnight.
• Elegant yet simple – Beautiful presentation with minimal effort.
• Vegetarian and halal-friendly – Suitable for a wide range of dietary needs.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Cookie Dough

• 2 cups fine semolina flour – Provides the signature crumbly yet tender texture.
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour – Adds structure and balance.
• 3/4 cup melted butter or ghee – Creates richness and delicate flavor.
• 1/4 cup sugar – Light sweetness in the dough.
• 1/2 cup warm milk – Helps bind and soften the mixture.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder – Gives gentle lift.
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds warmth and aroma.

Honey Syrup & Topping

• 1 1/2 cups honey – Main source of sweetness and gloss.
• 1/2 cup water – Thins the syrup for proper soaking.
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice – Balances sweetness and prevents crystallization.
• 1/2 cup sliced almonds – Toasted nutty crunch and classic decoration.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the dough – Mix semolina, all-purpose flour, and baking powder. Rub in melted butter or ghee until crumbly, then mix in sugar.

Add liquids – Gradually incorporate warm milk and vanilla until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. Cover and let rest for 15 minutes.

Shape the cookies – Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll tablespoon-sized portions into balls, place on lined baking sheets, flatten gently, and press sliced almonds on top.

Bake until golden – Bake for 20–25 minutes until lightly golden at the edges and firm but not hard. Cool briefly.

Make the honey syrup – Simmer honey, water, and lemon juice for about 5 minutes until slightly thickened. Let cool slightly.

Soak and rest – Arrange warm cookies on a platter and drizzle with warm syrup. Let absorb for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Tips for Perfect Semolina Cookies

• Use fine semolina only – Ensures a tender, delicate crumb.
• Avoid overbaking – Cookies continue firming as they cool.
• Warm syrup + warm cookies – Best combination for proper absorption.
• Let them rest before serving – Texture and flavor improve over time.
• Toast almonds lightly first – Enhances nutty aroma and crunch.

Flavor Variations

• Cardamom spice – Add 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom to the dough.
• Rose or orange blossom water – Stir into the syrup for floral notes.
• Pistachio topping – Replace almonds with crushed pistachios.
• Coconut twist – Mix a few tablespoons of fine coconut into the dough.

Storage & Make-Ahead

• Room temperature: Store in an airtight container up to 5 days.
• Best next-day flavor: Syrup fully absorbs for richer taste.
• Freezing: Freeze unsoaked baked cookies up to 2 months, then thaw and add fresh syrup.

Nutrition Snapshot (Approximate per cookie)

• Calories: 120–160
• Carbohydrates: Moderate from semolina and honey
• Fat: From butter or ghee
• Protein: Small amount from flour and almonds

Perfect Pairings

• Hot mint tea or black tea – Classic Middle Eastern accompaniment.
• Arabic coffee – Balances sweetness with bold bitterness.
• Fresh fruit platter – Adds brightness and contrast.

Final Thoughts

Honey almond semolina cookies are a beautiful blend of simplicity, tradition, and comforting sweetness. Their tender crumb, glossy honey coating, and delicate nut topping make them equally suited for festive gatherings or quiet afternoon tea. Once you taste how the syrup transforms these humble cookies into something truly special, they’re sure to become a cherished favorite in your dessert collection.