Soft Glazed Cookies - Homemade Pryaniki

I've been perfecting these soft cookies for years, starting from when I first began experimenting with homemade sweets as a teenager. Made with kefir and oil, this recipe features accessible, inexpensive ingredients that remain a favorite treat praised by many.

This version includes an optional cocoa-striped dough design, inspired by a recent trend I found online, adding a unique twist you can choose to include or not.

Ingredients
Buttermilk/Youghurt/Kefir
250 ml
   
Sugar
250 g
   
Egg
1 piece
+ 1 egg white for the glaze
Sunflower oil
3 tbsp
   
Baking powder
1 tsp
   
Cacao powder
2 tbsp
   
White flour
30 tbsp
   
Powdered sugar
1 cup
   
Step by step
Step 1

In a bowl, combine the kefir, egg, sugar, and oil. Mix thoroughly using a whisk.

Soft Glazed Cookies - Homemade Pryaniki - Step 1
Step 2

Add 4 tablespoons of flour and baking powder, then mix together.

Soft Glazed Cookies - Homemade Pryaniki - Step 2
Step 3

For a two-tone dough, separate into 2 parts. Transfer 1/3 of the mixture to a small bowl for the cocoa version.

Soft Glazed Cookies - Homemade Pryaniki - Step 3
Step 4

In the large bowl with the remaining dough, add 16-20 tablespoons of flour, kneading to form a soft, slightly sticky dough. It may stick slightly, but avoid adding extra flour; use flour for dusting.

Soft Glazed Cookies - Homemade Pryaniki - Step 4
Step 5

Add 2 tablespoons of cocoa and around 10 tablespoons of flour to the smaller dough portion. Knead into a soft, sticky dough that can be handled on a floured surface.

Soft Glazed Cookies - Homemade Pryaniki - Step 5
Step 6

Divide the white dough ball in half to obtain 3 pieces: 2 white, 1 brown.

Soft Glazed Cookies - Homemade Pryaniki - Step 6
Step 7

Roll each dough ball into a round sheet on a well-floured surface. Layer them with white + brown + white.

Soft Glazed Cookies - Homemade Pryaniki - Step 7
Step 8

Roll up these layered sheets.

Soft Glazed Cookies - Homemade Pryaniki - Step 8
Step 9

Slice the roll in half along its entire length.

Soft Glazed Cookies - Homemade Pryaniki - Step 9
Step 10

Cut each half of the roll into pieces about the size of a large walnut.

Soft Glazed Cookies - Homemade Pryaniki - Step 10
Step 11

Shape each piece into balls, taking care to maintain the layer separation. 

Lightly flatten them and place on a baking tray; bake at 200°C for 10-15 minutes.

Soft Glazed Cookies - Homemade Pryaniki - Step 11
Step 12

While baking, prepare the glaze by beating egg whites with powdered sugar.

Soft Glazed Cookies - Homemade Pryaniki - Step 12
Step 13

The cookies should not brown on top; check underneath for a light pink color to ensure they're ready. Over-baking will make them hard.

Soft Glazed Cookies - Homemade Pryaniki - Step 13
Step 14

Immediately after baking, place 10 cookies in a deep bowl, add icing, and carefully mix with a spoon to coat evenly.

Soft Glazed Cookies - Homemade Pryaniki - Step 14
Step 15

Place cookies on a baking paper-lined plate to dry. Repeat while cookies are hot to ensure the icing sets.

Soft Glazed Cookies - Homemade Pryaniki - Step 15
Step 16

The icing dries quickly, perfect for serving with tea or coffee. 

Enjoy!

Soft Glazed Cookies - Homemade Pryaniki - Step 16
Quantity: 1 kg (2 trays)
Prep time:
30 min
Difficulty: intermediate
Ready in: 30 min