Ladokouloura (Greek Olive Oil Cookies)

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 170 deg C (340 F).

Step 2

In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder and baking soda and set aside.

Step 3

In a large bowl, whisk the sugar, olive oil, orange juice and zest, brandy and ground cinnamon and cloves.

Step 4

Slowly add the flour mixture to the olive oil mixture and gently stir.

Step 5

Mix until the cookie dough is soft, and no flour remains. (see note 4)

Step 6

Use a cookie scoop to scoop out a piece of dough and form it into a ball. (see note 5)

Step 7

Poke your finger into the centre of the ball to create a hole.

Step 8

Very gently form the cookie to resemble a "mini doughnut". (use your fingers to shape it out).

Step 9

Dip the cookie into the sesame seeds to coat it thoroughly. Repeat for the remainder of the ladokouloura cookies and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper (each cookie sheet should hold 6-8 cookies).

Step 10

Bake for 22 mins until the cookies are a light brown colour. Remove and allow them to cool on a wire rack before serving. (see note 6)