Şekerpare — Turkish Syrup-Soaked Semolina Biscuits

Soft, tender semolina biscuits topped with an almond and soaked in a light lemon syrup.

TIME BREAKDOWN
Prep: 30 min
Cook: 30 min
Total: 1 hour
Vegetarian
✅
Nuts
✅
Serves
20 people
Difficulty
Easy

Ingredients

  • 125g unsalted butter, softened
  • 100g icing sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 100g fine semolina
  • 200g plain flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 20 blanched almonds
  • For the syrup: 250g caster sugar
  • For the syrup: 300ml water
  • For the syrup: juice of 1/2 lemon

Method

  1. Make the syrup. Simmer the sugar and water for 10 minutes, add the lemon juice and cool completely.

  2. Heat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan). Line a baking tray with baking paper.

  3. Beat the butter and icing sugar until pale, then beat in the egg.

  4. Mix in the semolina, flour and baking powder to form a soft dough.

  5. Roll into 20 walnut-sized balls and flatten slightly. Place on the tray and press an almond into the centre of each.

  6. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until golden. Pour the cool syrup over the hot biscuits and leave to soak for at least 1 hour.