Nothing beats the joy of biting into soft and buttery cookies that instantly melt in your mouth. These special treats are filled with chewy Turkish delights, bringing a unique texture and sweetness. Growing up, these were always one of my favorites, especially when my family made them at home. The best part about making them is the endless variety—you can use three different flavors, like rose, orange, or pistachio.
Each flavored delight is naturally colored, adding a fun pop to every bite. The idea is simple: take a plain yet rich dough, fill it with a rose-flavored or any other flavor of Turkish delights, then bake until golden. A tip I learned over time—make sure the dough is firm but pliable, so it doesn’t stick to your hands while shaping. These cookies are a delightful fusion of textures and flavors, perfect for any occasion.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Mixing the Dough
How to Prepare the Cookie Dough Base
- Start by adding butter and sugar into a bowl, then mix well until the texture is smooth and creamy.
- Crack in an egg, pour in vanilla, and combine everything for a rich flavor and soft dough.
- Sift together flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt to achieve the right consistency and balance.
- Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until a soft yet firm dough starts to form.
- To prevent sticking, lightly dust your hands and work surface with flour before shaping the dough into a round base.
- Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to help it hold its shape during baking.
- Once chilled, roll out the dough to an even thickness, ensuring it’s easy to cut and fill with Turkish Delight.
- Preheat the oven to the right temperature—375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 Celsius)—before placing cookies on a tray.
- Bake until golden brown, then transfer them to a cooling rack to set before serving.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
| Butter | ½ cup (room temperature) |
| Powdered Sugar | ½ cup |
| Egg | 1 large |
| Vanilla Extract | 1 tsp |
| All-Purpose Flour | 2 cups |
| Baking Powder | 1 tsp |
| Salt | A pinch |
| Corn Starch | 2 tbsp |
| Turkish Delight | As needed (cut into small pieces) |
Enhancing Dough with Unique Flavors
- For a floral touch, add 1 tsp of rose water along with finely crushed dried or frozen rose petals to the dough.
- To enhance the color naturally, you can mix in 1 tsp beetroot powder—this step is optional, but it gives a lovely pink hue.
- A citrusy twist comes from 1 tsp orange rind, which you can mix with sugar—I made mine in the season and stored it to keep the flavor year-long.
- For a rich nutty taste, blend in 2 tbsp pistachio powder, ensuring an even distribution throughout the dough.
- Combining these flavors carefully will create a balanced aroma, with hints of rose, orange, and pistachio complementing the sweetness of the Turkish Delight filling.
Step-by-Step Guide to Flavoring the Dough
- Start by mixing the cookie batter in a bowl. Whisk butter at room temperature with powdered sugar using a paddle attachment for a few minutes until it turns light and creamy.
- Add vegetable oil and egg gradually, then mix in the dry ingredients—cups of flour, corn starch, and baking powder—to form a soft dough.
- Divide the dough into three-piece, using a scale for even pieces (about 230gr each). Now, it’s time to flavor the doughs.
- For the rose-flavored dough, mix in rose petals, rose water, and beetroot powder, then knead until everything is corporate and playable.
- To make the orange-flavored dough, add rind, sugar mix, and a bit of turmeric powder, then knead to get a nice texture.
- The pistachio-flavored dough needs ground pistachio and a little olive oil to keep it soft. Now, you have different, colored, and ready doughs to shape into cookies!
| Flavor | Key Ingredients |
| Rose | Rose Water, Crushed Rose Petals, Beetroot Powder |
| Orange | Orange Rind, Sugar Mix, Turmeric Powder |
| Pistachio | Ground Pistachio, Olive Oil |
Filling and Shaping Turkish Delight Cookies
To get the perfect shape, take the soft dough and cut it into 8 pieces. Using your palm and hand, gently roll each one into a ball. Place a Turkish delight piece in the center, making sure it matches the flavor of the dough. Carefully close the dough around it, pressing the top to seal it completely. For a traditional touch, press the dough into a wooden cookie mold, but if you don’t have one, the cookies will still turn out good with a simple hand-shaped method. No special tools are needed—just enjoy the use of simple techniques.
Baking Tips for Perfect Texture
Once the cookies are shaped, place them on a lined baking tray, ensuring enough space between each one. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes or until the edges turn a beautiful golden brown. Avoid overbaking, as this will make the cookies too crisp instead of soft and buttery. The goal is a delicate crunch on the outside while keeping the Turkish Delight center chewy and flavorful.
“Patience is the secret ingredient in baking—let your cookies rest, and they will reward you with the perfect bite!”
Cooling and Setting the Cookies
After baking, let the cookies sit on the tray for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. This step helps them set properly without breaking apart. The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool. For the best texture, allow them to cool for at least 30 minutes before serving or storing. This ensures the dough holds its shape while keeping the Turkish Delight center perfectly soft.
Choosing the Best Turkish Delight for Filling
For the filling, it’s best to use small, bite-sized pieces of Turkish Delight. If using store-bought delights, cut them into uniform cubes to ensure even distribution. Homemade Turkish Delight can be made firmer by letting it sit out for a few hours before using. Flavors like rose, orange, and pistachio work best, as they complement the cookie dough flavors perfectly.
Shaping Tips for Different Flavored Doughs
When shaping different flavored doughs, each type may require slight adjustments. The rose-flavored dough may feel softer due to the moisture from the rose water, so chilling it slightly before rolling can help. The orange-flavored dough has added turmeric for color, so knead it well to distribute the color evenly. The pistachio dough is slightly firmer due to ground nuts, making it easier to mold by hand. Regardless of the flavor, always seal the dough properly around the Turkish Delight to prevent any filling from leaking during baking.
Frequently Asked Questions?
What is Turkish Delight Filled Cookies?
Turkish Delight Filled Cookies are soft, buttery cookies with a chewy Turkish delight center, offering a unique blend of textures and flavors.
Can I use different flavors of Turkish Delight?
Yes! You can use rose, orange, pistachio, or any other flavor you prefer to customize your cookies.
How do I prevent the dough from sticking to my hands?
Lightly dust your hands with flour and ensure the dough is firm but pliable before shaping.
Why should I refrigerate the dough before baking?
Chilling the dough helps it hold its shape, making it easier to work with and preventing spreading during baking.
Can I make the cookies without a wooden cookie mold?
Absolutely! Simply shape the cookies by hand, ensuring they are evenly sealed around the Turkish Delight.
What type of Turkish Delight is best for filling?
Small, firm pieces work best, as they hold their shape and provide the perfect chewy center.
How long should I bake the cookies?
Bake them at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown.
How do I store these cookies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or refrigerate for longer freshness.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.
What can I serve with Turkish Delight Filled Cookies?
They pair well with Turkish tea, coffee, or a glass of milk for a delightful treat.
Conclusion
Turkish Delight Filled Cookies offer a delightful fusion of crisp, buttery dough and a soft, chewy center bursting with flavor. By carefully shaping and sealing the dough around the Turkish Delight, you ensure a perfect balance of texture and taste in every bite. Whether using traditional wooden molds or simple hand-shaping techniques, these cookies are easy to prepare with minimal tools.
Paying attention to baking time, cooling, and selecting the right filling enhances their final texture and flavor. Serve them with a warm cup of Turkish tea or coffee for an authentic experience, and enjoy the unique charm of these deliciously filled treats.
Chef Ceren Narin is a passionate food lover and traveler dedicated to sharing authentic Turkish cuisine. As the founder of TurkishYum.com, she explores traditional flavors, recipes, and culinary heritage, bringing the magic of Turkey’s food culture to your kitchen.