Kwarezimal (Maltese Lenten Almond Cookies)

Kwareżimal are dense, spiced almond cookies traditionally baked in Malta during Lent, when butter and eggs were once avoided. Honey and orange zest sweeten a naturally egg-free, dairy-free dough. They keep well, making them a practical make-ahead treat.

Ingredients

• 2 cups ground almonds
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• Zest of 1 orange
• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 1/4 cup water, plus more as needed
• Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)

Instructions

1. Mix the dry ingredients
   In a bowl, combine ground almonds, sugar, cinnamon, cloves, cocoa powder, and orange zest.
2. Bind with honey and water
   Warm the honey with the water, then stir into the almond mixture until a firm, moldable dough forms, adding more water a teaspoon at a time if needed.
3. Shape the cookies
   Roll the dough into small logs or diamond shapes about 2 inches long.
4. Bake until set
   Arrange on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 325°F (160°C) for 18-20 minutes, until firm and lightly dry on the outside.
5. Cool and dust
   Let cool completely on the tray, then dust with powdered sugar if desired before serving.

Store in an airtight tin for up to two weeks — they only get chewier with time.