🥧 Samian Skaltsounia – Traditional Sweet with Tahini, Walnuts and Raisins

An old sweet taste of Samos

Samian skaltsounia are a traditional sweet from Samos, made with a distinctive dough based on tahini and honey and filled with a rich, aromatic mixture.

Inside, they combine golden raisins, walnuts, candied fruit, orange marmalade and honey, creating a flavour profile closely connected with traditional island confectionery.

After baking, they are lightly scented with rose water and finished with powdered sugar and cinnamon.

The result is a fragrant sweet with a delicate crust and a rich, fruity filling, ideal with coffee or served as a traditional homemade treat.

👨‍🍳 Method

1. Prepare the dough

In a bowl, mix the tahini, honey and lukewarm water until well combined.

Add the baking powder and gradually incorporate the flour, kneading until you have a smooth and pliable dough.

Cover and allow the dough to rest for about 30 minutes.

2. Prepare the filling

In a separate bowl, combine the golden raisins, roughly chopped walnuts, candied fruit, orange marmalade and honey.

Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly distributed and set aside.

3. Shape and fill the skaltsounia

Roll the dough out into a relatively thin sheet.

Using a round cutter or glass, cut circles approximately 8–10 cm in diameter.

Place a small amount of filling in the centre of each circle and fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape.

Press the edges firmly and seal them with a fork so that the filling remains inside during baking.

4. Bake

Arrange the skaltsounia on a baking tray and bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for approximately 20–25 minutes, until lightly golden.

5. Finish with rose water, sugar and cinnamon

While they are still warm, lightly sprinkle the skaltsounia with rose water.

Dust generously with powdered sugar and cinnamon, then allow them to cool before serving.

☕ Serving suggestion

Samian skaltsounia are best served once cooled, allowing the aromas of orange, honey, walnuts and rose water to develop fully.

They pair beautifully with Greek coffee and are also ideal as a traditional sweet offered to guests.

Their rich filling, tahini-based dough and characteristic coating of powdered sugar and cinnamon make them one of the distinctive sweet flavours of the culinary tradition of Samos.