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Speculaas

These are traditionally served on St. Nicholas Day, December 5th (it is on December 5th that celebrating and presents are given to children). Served with hot coffee these spicy cookies are at treat anytime. A special wooden mold is typically is used, however, regular cookies cutter will due. In Germany an almost identical cookie is called a spekulatius. Be sure to follow the directions for preparing your molds. Usually they need to be well greased then heavily dusted with cornstarch. Remember to re-dust molds for each cookie.

type: formed
makes: 4 dozen

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
2 eggs
1/3 cup light brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
pinch of salt
1 teaspoon milk
1 teaspoon vanilla
5 tablespoon butter, cold
1/4 cup blanched ground almonds

Preheat oven to 350F.
Lightly grease cookie sheets or line with parchment paper.
Combine flour and baking powder.
Add eggs, brown sugar, spices, milk, and vanilla.
Work dough with clean hands until dough is combined and thick.
Cut the butter into pieces.
Add butter and almonds.
Knead quickly until a smooth dough is reached. (Add flour or milk as needed.)
Roll out dough between two pieces of lightly floured wax paper until 1/4" in thickness.
Carefully remove the top sheet of wax paper.
Press into prepared speculaas or clay molds (or cut-out with a cookie cutter). Be sure to press out any bubbles and trim off excess. Tap out cookies and place on cookie sheets.
Bake 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
Transfer to wire racks to cool.

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