Şekerpare (Syrup-Soaked Cookies)

Ingredients

• 2 cups sugar
• 2 cups water
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• 125 g butter
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1 egg
• 2 cups flour
• 2 tbsp semolina
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 20 hazelnuts

Method

1. Boil the sugar and water for 10 minutes, add the lemon juice and let it cool.
2. Beat the soft butter with the powdered sugar and egg.
3. Add the flour, semolina and baking powder and knead into a soft dough that doesn't stick.
4. Roll into walnut-sized balls, arrange them on a tray and press a hazelnut into each.
5. Bake at 180°C for 20–25 minutes until golden underneath; pour the cold syrup over while hot and let it soak in.