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Ottijiet - Maltese Biscuits

Ottijiet are an 8 shaped biscuit infused with citrus and spices. Traditionally topped with sesame seeds, these biscuits are the ideal dunk biscuits!
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Prep Time:20 minutes
Cook Time:15 minutes
Resting Time:1 hour
Total Time:1 hour 35 minutes
Course: Breakfast, Dessert
Cuisine: European, Maltese
Keyword: Biscuits, Ottijiet, Traditional
Servings: 20 biscuits

Ingredients

  • 350 g plain flour
  • 100 g sugar
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 100 g butter cold cubed
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 1/2 teaspoon ground aniseed
  • 1 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • zest of an orange
  • 2 tablespoon orange juice
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • sesame seeds for decoration

Instructions

  • In a large bowl, combine together flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, aniseed, cloves and orange zest.
  • Add the butter to the dry mixture and combine everything with your hands.
  • In another bowl mix together the egg, juices and water.
  • Knead everything together until a dough is formed. Do not worry if the dough gets too crumbly, this is what we want.
  • Wrap the dough in cling film and place it in the fridge for about an hour.
  • Pre-heat oven to 200°C/390°F. Line a baking tray with parchment paper. Prepare the sesame seeds in a plate. Set aside.
  • After taking out the dough, divide into 20 equal pieces. Roll them between your hands until you get rolls of about 20 cm long.
  • Close the ends together so that it forms a ring, and then twist the ring to get the 8 shape.
  • Dip the dough into the sesame seeds and then place it on the baking tray.
  • Leave some space between each biscuit and do not overcrowd the tray as these biscuits tend to rise while baking.
  • Bake the biscuits for about 10/15 minutes or until lightly golden.
  • Let them cool on a cooling rack and enjoy!

Notes

Store these biscuits in airtight containers or a good cookie jar and these biscuits can last up to six days; if you can resist.