Sweet Pastry (mucenici)

Sweet Pastry (Mucenici) is a traditional Moldovan dessert typically made to celebrate the arrival of spring. These sweet pastries are shaped like the number 8 and are flavored with honey, walnuts, and a hint of lemon zest.

Vegetarian Dessert Moldovan Moldovan Cuisine Spring Dessert Traditional Recipe
Sweet Pastry (mucenici)

Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a large bowl, mix the flour and baking powder. In a separate bowl, cream the butter and sugar together. Gradually add the flour mixture and milk to form a dough.
  3. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces and shape each into a figure 8. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  4. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown. Let them cool on a wire rack.
  5. In a small bowl, mix the chopped walnuts, honey, and lemon zest. Spread the mixture over the cooled pastries.

Cooking & Preparation

Preparation time:
30 minutes
Cooking time:
20 minutes
Total time:
50 minutes
Cooking method
Oven

Nutritional facts per 1 serving

Calories
180 per serving
Carbohydrates
25g
Fat
8g
Protein
3g

Supplies

Baking sheet Parchment paper Wire rack

Tools

Mixing bowls Baking oven

Serving suggestions

Serve the Sweet Pastry (Mucenici) with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat.

Tips & tricks

For a variation, you can also sprinkle some powdered sugar on top of the pastries before serving.

Cost

$8