Za'ta بسكوت بزعتر is a very popular herb that is greatly used in so many recipes in Palestine. One of the most popular is the dried ground za'atar mixed with some spices and sesame and dipped in bread with olive oil, or sprinkled over chicken and salads. That is the one that is becoming so popular in the US.
We grew up eating za'atar and olive oil with pita bread almost on a daily basis. And just in the last few years there have been so many studies proving that za'atar has great health benefits, one of the most is helping the brain, something we grew up hearing, but occasionally doubted the authenticity of this statement, because we always thought our parents are trying to convince us to eat za'atar, since it’s one of the cheapest food and it’s always available at home. But apparently, this statement was recently proved to be fully correct. And seems our ancestors knew the great health benefits of za’atar before even any scientific studies were conducted. Here is a link for an article that talks about how eating za'atar can make you smarter. Another recipe with Za'tar is my Mana’eesh Za’atar مناقيش بالزعتر.
Today, and in this recipe, I'm using the green leaves of za'atar and I’m making cookies with them. A vegan recipe that my mother often used to make during spring time, which is the za'atar season and also during lent since this recipe has no eggs and no dairy. Green za'atar plants are available at different health markets across the US, such as Wholefoods, Sprouts and even lately I found them at Trader Joe's stores. What I have here today are green leaves that are naturally dried since I don't have fresh green ones, I like to dry them so I can use them out of season and throughout the year. They both work perfectly fine, and for this recipe, half a cup is all you need to give these cookies that za'atar flavor.
So here is how to make za’tar vegan cookies. It is a very easy recipe and doesn’t take much time to make. Mix the flour, sugar (I used less sugar because I don’t like to them too sweet) oil, baking powder, and za'atar leaves, if they're green cut them into smaller pieces. Mix all together then add the warm water and knead together until you get a smooth dough. Then make a small ball and flatten it together with both hands into a circle, or with a roller. I just feel it’s quicker to use my hands, and I can make them really quickly.
Bake in a previously heated oven on 375 degrees for about 25-30 minutes and until cookies turn golden brown. No need to grease the baking tray since the recipe already includes oil. This recipe makes about 25-30 cookies
Here is how to make za’tar vegan cookies.
This recipe makes about 25-30 cookies.
Za’atar (Thyme) Vegan Cookies
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup olive oil or (half olive oil and half vegetable oil)
- ¾ cup sugar (use 1 cup for extra sweetness)
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ cup of za'atar leaves (dried or green)
- 1 cup of warm water
Instructions
- Heat up the oven on 375 degrees
- In a bowl mix together flour, oil, baking powder, za'atar leaves, then add the water and knead all together until you have a smooth dough.
- With your hands make a small ball and flatten into a circle shape, either with a roller or with both hands.
- Place cookies next to each other on a baking sheet (no need to grease the baking sheet since dough already has oil).
- Bake for 25-30 minutes and until cookies turn golden brown. Can be stored in an airtight container up to a week. Or in a zip bag in the freezer for up to 2 months.
For non sweet za'art recipes, check out za'atar bread cheese balls recipe
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