Greek Olive Oil Cookie Sticks | The Easiest Way to Make Ladokouloura

מצרכים

• 1 and 1/2 cups olive oil or vegetable oil
• 3/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• Zest of 2 oranges
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2–1 cup additional all-purpose flour, if needed
• 3/4 cup ground walnuts
• Sesame seeds, for topping

אופן ההכנה

1. Prepare the dough:
2. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
3. Combine the olive oil, orange juice, sugar, vanilla, orange zest, cinnamon, and cloves in a large bowl. Whisk until the sugar begins to dissolve and the mixture is well combined.
4. Add the baking soda and baking powder and whisk again.
5. Add the 4 cups of flour gradually, mixing gently after each addition. Add enough of the remaining flour to form a soft dough that is no longer excessively sticky.
6. Fold in the ground walnuts. Do not overmix or knead the dough because that can make the cookies tough.
7. Cover the dough and allow it to rest for approximately 20 minutes. This gives the flour time to absorb the liquids and makes the dough easier to roll.
8. Shape the cookie sticks:
9. Divide the dough in half.
10. Place one portion between two sheets of parchment paper. Roll it into a rectangle approximately 12 by 8 inches and 1/2 inch thick. Repeat with the second portion.
11. Remove the top sheets of parchment and generously sprinkle the dough with sesame seeds. Gently roll over the sesame seeds or press them into the surface so they adhere.
12. Using a pizza cutter, pastry wheel, or sharp knife, cut each rectangle into sticks approximately 1 inch wide and 4 inches long.
13. Carefully transfer the cookie sticks to the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 1 inch of space between them.
14. Bake:
15. Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the edges and bottoms are lightly golden.
16. Allow the co