🇹 Ethiopian · Desserts
⭐ Ethiopian Christmas Sweet (Genna)
ገና ጣፋጭ — Genna Tafach
Ethiopian Christmas Cookies — spiced honey cookies made specifically for Genna (Ethiopian Christmas, January 7th) after the 43-day Advent fast. Shaped as stars and crosses using the symbolism of the Ethiopian Orthodox tradition, they are the first sweets eaten after Advent.
Genna cookies are the first sweet after 43 days of fasting — the breaking of Advent fast with honey cookies in Christmas shapes (stars, crosses) is a moment of pure joy. The Ethiopian Christmas sweet.
Ingredients
Equipment: Star and cross cookie cutters, Oven at 170°C
Same as ETH191 (Honey Cookies) — use the full recipe
But shape as stars and crosses for Genna
And add: ¼ tsp ground black pepper (Ethiopian Christmas spice touch)
Method
- Make honey cookie dough as per ETH191.
- Add black pepper to the spice blend.
- Roll and cut into star and cross shapes.
- Bake and cool as per ETH191.
- Optional: decorate with honey glaze drizzle in cross patterns.
Chef Tips
- The cross shape is the Ethiopian Orthodox Christian symbol.
- Black pepper is the additional Genna spice.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Same as ETH191.
The Science
See ETH191.
Nutrition (per serving)
Health Benefits
- Same as ETH191.
Cultural Note
Genna cookies are the taste of Ethiopian Christmas morning — after the overnight church service, after the Christmas dawn celebration, the first sweet thing eaten after 43 days of fasting. A star-shaped honey cookie from a grandmother is one of the most emotionally significant foods in Ethiopian Orthodox life.
Storage & Serving
Storage: Airtight container — 2 weeks.
Reheating: Not needed.
Serve with: After the Genna midnight mass, With the Christmas morning feast