Pistachio-Orange Cocktail Cookies
1 C. (4 ounces) raw, shelled pistachios
6 T. salted butter, at room temperature
¾ C. (3 ¾ ounces) crumbled feta cheese
2 T. granulated sugar
1 T. very finely minced orange zest
1 tsp. orange flower water (optional)
¾ C. all-purpose flour
½ C. semolina flour
1 ½ T. whole milk
Kosher or coarse sea salt for sprinkling
Preheat the oven to 325° F. Roast the pistachios on a baking sheet about five minutes. Let cool, and coarsely chop. Combine the butter, feta cheese, sugar, orange zest and orange flower water in the bowl of an electric mixer and beat, on medium speed, until light and fluffy. Whisk together both flours in another bowl. With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the flours to the butter and cheese mixture until combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as necessary. Add the milk, and mix briefly. Add the chopped pistachios, and mix briefly until evenly distributed throughout the dough. Divide the dough in half and roll each portion into a log about 6 inches long and 1-½ inches in diameter. Wrap each log tightly in plastic wrap. Refrigerate the dough logs until firm, about two hours, or freeze for 30 minutes. (The dough can be frozen for up to one month; refrigerate overnight before slicing and baking.) When you are ready to bake the cookies, preheat the oven to 325° F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silpat mats. Slice each dough log into about ¼-inch-thick rounds and place the rounds on the baking sheets, about one inch apart. Sprinkle lightly with the salt and bake for 12-14 minutes, until the cookies are lightly golden on the bottom and still pale on top. Remove from oven and let cool slightly. Serve warm or at room temperature. Cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to five days.