Şekerpare Recipe (Turkish Semolina Syrup Cookies)
Şekerpare is a classic Turkish dessert made with soft semolina cookies soaked in a light sugar syrup. It’s easy to prepare, perfectly balanced in sweetness, and ideal for serving with tea or coffee.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1/3 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons semolina
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups all-purpose flour adjust as needed
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 cups water
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Prepare the syrup
- In a saucepan, combine sugar and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Add lemon juice, simmer for 2 more minutes, and let cool completely.
- Make the dough
- In a bowl, mix softened butter and powdered sugar until smooth. Add egg and semolina, then gradually add flour until a soft dough forms.
- Shape the cookies
- Take small portions of dough and shape into oval cookies. Place on a parchment-lined baking tray.
- Bake
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for 20–25 minutes until lightly golden.
- Add the syrup
- Remove from oven and immediately pour the cooled syrup evenly over the hot cookies.
- Rest and absorb
- Let the cookies rest for at least 2 hours to fully absorb the syrup before serving.
Notes
Pour cooled syrup over hot cookies immediately after baking to ensure proper absorption. Allow the dessert to rest for at least 2 hours before serving for the best texture and flavor.