Best 4 Paximathia Greek Semi Sweet Cookies Recipes

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Paximathia, a traditional Greek semi-sweet cookie, delights with its unique texture and flavors. Originating on the island of Crete, these cookies have become a beloved treat throughout Greece, often served with a glass of cold water or coffee. Paximathia is characterized by its twice-baked process, resulting in a delightful combination of a crispy exterior and a soft, chewy interior. With a subtle sweetness and a hint of spice, these cookies are a perfect balance of flavors. This article offers three variations of Paximathia: the classic recipe, a vegan version, and a gluten-free version, ensuring everyone can enjoy this delectable treat. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a novice looking to explore Greek cuisine, this article provides you with detailed instructions and helpful tips to create delicious Paximathia cookies. Get ready to embark on a culinary journey to the heart of Greece with these delightful semi-sweet cookies.

Let's cook with our recipes!

GREEK BISCOTTI (PAXIMADIA)



Greek Biscotti (Paximadia) image

A crunchy Greek cookie similar to Italian biscotti, this twice-baked treat is made with a flavorful combination of barley flour, sesame seeds, ouzo, and a hint of orange.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Dessert & Treats Recipes     Cookie Recipes

Yield Makes about 30

Number Of Ingredients 12

3 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
1/2 cup barley flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons white sesame seeds, toasted
2 large eggs
1 1/2 cups plus 2 tablespoons sugar
1/2 cup grapeseed oil
1/3 cup ouzo
1 tablespoon grated orange zest, plus 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
1 tablespoon black sesame seeds, toasted

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In a medium bowl, whisk together flours, baking powder, salt, and 1/2 cup white sesame seeds.
  • In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat together eggs and 1 1/2 cups sugar on medium speed until pale. Beat in oil, ouzo, orange zest and juice, and vanilla. Reduce speed to low; gradually beat in flour mixture until well incorporated.
  • Divide dough in half; transfer one half to center of a parchment-lined baking sheet. Repeat with remaining half and another parchment-lined baking sheet; shape into 12-by-6-inch logs. Mix together black sesame seeds and remaining 2 tablespoons white sesame seeds; distribute evenly over logs. Sprinkle evenly with remaining 2 tablespoons sugar. Bake until lightly golden and firm to the touch, 25 to 30 minutes. Transfer sheets to wire racks; let cool 30 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 300 degrees.
  • Transfer logs, one at a time, to a cutting board. Using a serrated knife, cut on the diagonal into 1/4-inch-thick slices. Arrange slices, cut-side down, on fresh parchment-lined baking sheets. Bake, rotating sheets and flipping cookies halfway through, until dry and lightly golden, 35 to 40 minutes. Transfer sheets to wire racks; let cool completely. Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature up to 2 weeks.

PAXIMATHAKIA PORTOKALIOU OR ORANGE SESAME BISCOTTI (GREECE)



Paximathakia Portokaliou or Orange Sesame Biscotti (Greece) image

Who says the Greeks didn't borrow anything from the Romans (or at least the Greeks from the Italians!)? This very tasty treat is pronounced 'Pahk-see-mah-THAHK-yah' in Greek, & the original recipe, which I've cut back considerably, made 10 dozen of these little buggers! Because these paximathakia are made without eggs & butter, they can be stored (after cooling COMPLETELY!) for up to 2 months in airtight plastic containers, & can be frozen. Preparation time does not include time needed for the slices to completely between the two baking sessions or at the end of the last baking time!

Provided by Sydney Mike

Categories     Dessert

Time 4h30m

Yield 5 dozen, 60 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 10

1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup fresh orange juice, strained
1 1/2 cups olive oil
1 lemon, juice and zest of
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup water, lukewarm
1/2 cup sesame seeds, toasted, ground
8 -9 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 1/2 tablespoons baking powder

Steps:

  • Dissolve baking soda in orange juice, then pour into large mixing bowl.
  • In the same large mixing bowl, add olive oil, lemon juice & zest, cinnamon, water & sesame seeds.
  • With electric mixer, beat at medium high for 5 minutes until thoroughly combined & oil & juices are not separating. [If mixing by hand, use a whisk & beat until thoroughly blended.].
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together 8 cups of the flour, along with the sugar & baking powder.
  • Slowly add dry mixture to liquid mixture, using either dough hooks or wooden spoon. As it the dough get stiffer, knead with hands until dough holds together, then turn out onto a floured surface.
  • Knead well for about 10 minutes, adding more flour as needed, until dough is smooth & soft. [Dough will be softer & oilier than other cokie doughs.].
  • Divide dough into 4 parts to make 4 small loaves.
  • Preheat oven to 390 degrees F.
  • For each of the 4 small loaves, knead dough until dense & holding together tightly, then form it into a loaf shape about 14 inches long & 1/2" to 3/4" high.
  • Place seam side down. Then, using a floured knife (NOT serrated), slice loaf almost all the way through into 1/2" to 3/4" slices.
  • Place loaves on non-stick or lightly oiled cookie sheet & bake 15 minutes, about 3-4 inches above the bottom of the oven. The bottom should be golden & the top should be just starting to brown.
  • Remove loaves from oven & cut all the way through the slices, then allow to cool completely.
  • Preheat oven to between 200 degrees & 210 degrees F.
  • When sliced loaves are completely cooled, place all slices upright in a very lightly oiled or non-stick baking sheet.
  • Return to cooler oven & bake for at least another 1 1/2 hours [for 2 hours if you want the biscotti to be really dry].
  • NOTE: To toast sesame seeds, place in a single layer on a non-stick cookie sheet or baking pan & roast about 10 minutes at 400 degrees F.
  • NOTE: To grind toasted sesame seeds, use a small mixer/chopper, a coffee bean grinder or a mortar & pestle.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 127.2, Fat 6.2, SaturatedFat 0.9, Sodium 38.4, Carbohydrate 16.1, Fiber 0.6, Sugar 2.9, Protein 2

PAXIMATHIA (GREEK SEMI-SWEET COOKIES)



Paximathia (Greek Semi-Sweet Cookies) image

Make and share this Paximathia (Greek Semi-Sweet Cookies) recipe from Food.com.

Provided by ElaineAnn

Categories     Dessert

Time 40m

Yield 18 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 9

2/3 cup Wesson Oil
2/3 cup sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
3 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla or 1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 cups flour, sifted
1 egg yolk
3 drops cream or 3 drops milk

Steps:

  • Beat 3 eggs well. Add oil and sugar and mix to blend.
  • Add vanilla. Sift flour, salt and baking powder.
  • Add to egg mixture and mix until smooth.
  • Refrigerate overnight.
  • Work dough and shape into loaves (about three).
  • Set on greased.cookie sheets and brush with beaten egg yolk, to which a few.drops of cream or milk has been added.
  • Sprinkle the sesame seed.
  • Bake in 375° to 400° oven about 25 minutes or until golden brown.
  • Cut into slices immediately. Lay pieces flat on sheet and return to oven for a few minutes until light brown on both sides.

PAXIMATHAKIA PORTOKALIOU - GREEK - ORANGE SESAME BISCOTTI



Paximathakia Portokaliou - Greek - Orange Sesame Biscotti image

This recipe has been posted for play in ZWT9 - Greece. This recipe is from website: greekfood.about.com Greece is known for its olive oil and for fabulous sweets and the tradition of sweets made with olive oil is centuries old. These fabulous twice-baked cookies do not need to be dunked in coffee, tea, or milk but they are perfect for it.

Provided by Baby Kato

Categories     Dessert

Time 2h15m

Yield 2 dozen

Number Of Ingredients 13

1/4 cup sesame seeds, toasted
1/3 cup fresh orange juice, strained
2 tablespoons fresh orange juice, strained
1/2 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice, freshly squeezed
1 1/2 tablespoons lemon peel, grated
1/3 cup sugar
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 3/4 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 cup lukewarm water
3 1/2-3 3/4 cups all-purpose flour

Steps:

  • Tips:. You do not have to use the most expensive olive oil, just use a good one.
  • To toast sesame seeds, place in a single layer on a non-stick cookie sheet or baking pan and roast for about 10 minutes at 400°F To grind the toasted sesame seeds, use a small mixer/chopper, a coffee bean grinder, or a mortar and pestle.
  • Make sure to cool the biscotti completely before storing. The biscotti may be stored in airtight plastic containers (not refrigerated) for several months or frozen for longer because they contain no butter or eggs.
  • Biscotti Dough:.
  • Dissolve the baking soda in the orange juice.
  • In a mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, cinnamon, orange and lemon juice with baking soda, grated peel, water, and sesame seeds. Beat at medium high for 5 minutes until thoroughly combined and the oil and juices are not separating. (If mixing by hand, use a whisk and beat until thoroughly blended.).
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together 3 cups of the flour with the sugar and baking powder.
  • Add the dry mixture to the liquid slowly, using dough hooks or a wooden spoon.
  • Knead with hands in the bowl until the dough holds together then turn out on a floured surface. Knead well for 10 minutes, adding more flour as needed, until the dough is smooth and soft. (The dough will be softer and oilier than other cookie doughs.).
  • Divide the dough into 2 or 3 parts to make 2 or 3 small loaves. .
  • Preheat oven to 390°F (200°C).
  • For each loaf:.
  • Knead the dough until dense (holding together tightly), forming it into a loaf shape.
  • Pinch the seam together, and form it into a loaf that is approximately 14 inches long and 1/2 to 3/4 inch high. Place the seam side down.
  • Using a floured knife (not serrated), slice the loaf almost all the way through into 1/2 to 3/4" slices.
  • Place the loaves on a lightly oiled (or non-stick) cookie sheet or baking pan and bake for 15 minutes at 390°F (200°C) 3 - 4 inches above the bottom of the oven.
  • When ready the bottom should be golden and the top should be just starting to brown.
  • Remove the loaves from the oven and cut all the way through the slices. Allow to cool completely.
  • Preheat the oven to 200°-210°F (around 100°C).
  • When thoroughly cooled, place all the slices upright in a very lightly oiled or non-stick baking sheet or roasting pan and bake at 200°-210°F (100°C) for 1 1/2 to 2 hours until dry.

Tips:

  • Use high-quality ingredients. The better the ingredients, the better the cookies will taste.
  • Make sure the butter and eggs are at room temperature before you start baking. This will help the ingredients blend together more easily.
  • Don't overmix the dough. Overmixing will make the cookies tough.
  • Chill the dough before baking. This will help the cookies hold their shape.
  • Bake the cookies until they are just set. Overbaking will make them dry and crumbly.
  • Let the cookies cool completely before storing them. This will help them keep their shape and flavor.

Conclusion:

Paximathia are a delicious and easy-to-make Greek cookie. They are perfect for any occasion, from a casual snack to a special dessert. With their unique flavor and texture, paximathia are sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them.

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