This Moustokouloura recipe (Μουστοκούλουρα) is a delightful twist on the classic Moustokouloura or Greek Molassses Cookies, bearing my own creative stamp. What’s more, they’re not just tasty, they’re also gluten-free and vegan-friendly! Talk about a win-win for all cookie enthusiasts out there.
These delightful treats have been around since grapevines were mere saplings. Back in the day, Greeks whipped them up using grape must, the freshly pressed juice of grapes. Families and friends would come together to celebrate the grape harvest, munching on Moustokouloura and sipping on freshly pressed grape juice or wine. Talk about a sweet party!
I only had black-strap molasses on hand and used that this time around. The deep, rich flavor adds a different dimension to this moustokouloura recipe. These Greek Molasses Cookies are tastier than they look – trust me! The traditional Moustokouloura recipe uses grape must or grape molasses. But if you don’t have on hand, you can swap it out with molasses.
Greek Molasses Cookies – Moustokouloura ~ Μουστοκούλουρα
Ingredients
1 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/2 cup molasses
1/2 cup coconut palm sugar
1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
1/2 teaspoon baking power
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon cloves
4 cups gluten free flour + 1/2 teaspoon xanthan gum
Method
In a stand mixer, add olive oil, molasses, sugar, orange juice, and blend.
Add baking soda, powder, and spices to the flour, and mix.
Gradually add flour to wet ingredients.
On wax or parchment paper, take some of the dough, make a cord around 8 inches long, and then join the cord to make them round into coils. You can also make “S” shapes, or even use Christmas cookie cutters.
Bake at 350F for about 15-20 minutes.
Watch my YouTube video here to see how they are made!
Greek Molasses Cookies - Moustokouloura
These Greek Molasses Cookies are tastier than they look - trust me! The traditional Moustokouloura recipe uses grape must or grape molasses. But if you don't have on hand, you can swap it out with molasses.
So these are a twist on Moustokouloura and are my version of Greek Molasses Cookies, and they are gluten free and vegan! I only had black-strap molasses on hand and used that this time around.
Ingredients
- 1 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1/2 cup coconut palm sugar
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1/2 teaspoon baking power
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon cloves
- 4 cups gluten free flour
Instructions
- In a stand mixer, add olive oil, molasses, sugar, orange juice, and blend.
- Add baking soda, powder, and spices to the flour, and mix.
- Gradually add flour to wet ingredients.
- On wax or parchment paper, take some of the dough, make a cord around 8 inches long, and then join the cord to make them round into coils. You can also make "S" shapes, or even use Christmas cookie cutters.
- Bake at 350F for about 15-20 minutes.
