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Online Cookie Recipes for this Holiday Season :: Christmas
Cookie Recipe
Cookie
Recipes Online ::
Speculaas
Speculaas are highly flavored buttery spice cookies that were
traditionally made with carved wooden molds. They are native
to Belgium and the Netherlands, although very similar cookies
are made in Germany, Russia, and several other European countries.
If you do not have wooden molds, you can use modern ceramic
molds, stamps, or even cookie cutters. Adjust the baking time
accordingly and carefully watch the first batch of cookies.
1 cup softened unsalted butter
1 1/3 cups sugar
2 large eggs
1/4 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
3 3/4 cups flour
1 1/2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
3/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground allspice
1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon baking soda
2/3 cup finely ground blanched almonds
vegetable oil for oiling molds
flour for dusting molds
Cream the butter and sugar in a large bowl until light and
fluffy. Beat in the eggs and lemon zest. In a medium bowl
whisk together the flour, cinnamon, ginger, allspice, nutmeg,
and baking soda. Slowly beat in the dry ingredients and almonds
until just blended. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill
for 24 hours. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and lightly
grease several baking sheets. Prepare molds by lightly brushing
vegetable oil over the surface and lightly dusting with flour.
Shake out the excess flour. Using only enough dough to to
fit each mold, and keeping the rest refrigerated press the
dough into the mold. Firmly press the dough once you have
filled the mold to eliminate any air bubbles and cut away
any excess dough. Flip the mold over and gently tap to remove
the cookie. Place on the prepared cookie sheet. Before filling
the mold again, dust with additional flour. Bake the cookies
for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cookies are just starting
to turn golden brown on the edges. Remove from the oven and
let the cookies sit on the sheets for 3 minutes. Transfer
to wire racks and coole completely. Decorate if desired or
place in an airtight container.
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