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paximadia - Greek biscotti on an oval plate.
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Greek Biscotti (Paximadia)

Bursting with orange flavour and naturally vegan, paximadia are crunchy Greek cookies similar to biscotti. So get your coffee ready - these delicious treats are perfect for dunking!
Course Snack
Cuisine Greek
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Second Bake: 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Servings 40 cookies
Calories 119kcal
Author Peter G

Ingredients

  • 450 grams all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 100 grams sugar
  • 250 ml olive oil light (see note 1)
  • 250 ml orange juice (see note 2)
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest approx. zest of 1 orange
  • 60 ml ouzo (optional) (see note 3)
  • 60 grams slivered almonds (see note 4)
  • 2 tablespoon sesame seeds

Instructions

  • In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder and baking soda and set aside. (see note 5)
  • In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, sugar, ouzo, orange juice and zest.
  • Using a spoon, slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients until you have a soft, pliable dough.
  • Add the almonds and fold through the dough, ensuring not to overwork it.
  • Divide the dough into three portions and shape it into a flat log. The log should measure approximately 25 cm (10") in length and 10 cm (4 ") in width.
  • Place the shaped log onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and score the top using a sharp knife. Score the dough at approx 1.5 cm (half an inch), sprinkle the sesame seeds and bake in a preheated 180°C (350°F) oven for approximately 45 minutes. Allow cooling completely. (see note 6)
  • Using a serrated knife, cut through the loaf gently (use the pre-scored lines as your guide) to create the paximadia cookies.
  • Place on a parchment-lined baking tray and bake again in a preheated 140°C (280°F) for 30 mins - turning them over halfway. (see note 7)
  • Once baked and crispy, allow them to cool completely before enjoying them with Greek coffee or tea.

Video

Notes

  1. Avoid extra virgin olive oil, as it can be intense and overpowering. You can use vegetable oil if you prefer.
  2. Use fresh orange juice - not from aa carton.
  3. Sub with a teaspoon of ground anise (or whole anise seeds) if you don't have ouzo, or leave it out altogether if you don't like it.
  4. Sub with pistachios, pecans or walnuts if you prefer.
  5. Use a stand mixer to form the dough instead of using your hands.
  6. Each log should yield approximately 12 cookies.
  7. If you prefer softer paximadia, bake them for less than the recommended time for the second bake (try 20 mins instead).

Nutrition

Serving: 1cookie | Calories: 119kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 7g