The star ingredient in these chewy, soft cookies is grape must or petimezi, a syrup-like grape molasses. It is blended into a pliable dough that combines sugar or honey, flour, leavening agent, orange juice, and spices such as cinnamon and cloves.

The dough is traditionally shaped into thin rolls that are then swirled into medium-sized round cookies. Since grape must is an autumnal product, the cookies are usually enjoyed throughout autumn and winter. Their flavor is reminiscent of gingerbread, and they are best paired with a cup of coffee or tea.