Traditional Dutch Speculaas Cookies or Spicy Sinterklass Cakes

Discover the joy of baking traditional Dutch Speculaas cookies or Spicy Sinterklass cakes, perfect treats for the holiday season. These deliciously spiced cookies are made with a blend of warm spices and have a rich, buttery flavor. They are usually enjoyed during the festive season and are often shaped into traditional designs using special wooden molds. Serve them with a mug of hot cocoa or a cup of tea for a cozy winter treat.

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

1. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and cardamom.
2. In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
5. Divide the dough into two equal portions and shape each portion into a disc.
6. Wrap the discs in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
7. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
8. Take one disc of dough out of the refrigerator and roll it out on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness.
9. Use cookie cutters or traditional wooden molds to cut out shapes and transfer them to the prepared baking sheet.
10. Repeat with the remaining dough.
11. Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until lightly golden around the edges.
12. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
13. Once cooled, store the cookies in an airtight container.
14. Serve and enjoy!

Interesting Facts