Delicious Saint Nicholas Spice Cookies

Irresistible Saint Nicholas Spice Cookies

As Christmas approaches and the delightful aroma of baked goods fills the air, it’s wonderful to try something a little different from the usual treats. Known as Saint Nicholas spice cookies or speculoos, these delectable cookies are a cherished tradition in the Netherlands, Belgium, and parts of Germany during the holiday season. For those who prefer to sample before committing, consider trying Spectacular Speculoos. These cookies are thin, crunchy, and nutty, boasting a flavor profile similar to gingerbread, but with their own distinct combination of spices. The deliciously spiced dough is firm and easy to shape into any delightful holiday forms you can imagine.

Ingredients:

1 cup butter

¾ cup brown sugar, softened if necessary

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 ½ tsp baking powder

2 tsp ground cinnamon

1-2 oz almonds, finely chopped (optional)

1/2 tsp ground cloves

¼ tsp ground ginger

1 tsp salt

1 tsp ground nutmeg

2 tbsp milk

Parchment paper

Instructions:

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined. Next, incorporate the milk.

Sift in all the dry ingredients and the nuts, mixing until the dough is well blended. Don’t be concerned if the dough appears a bit crumbly; this is normal. If it feels too dry, add a splash of milk. Shape the dough into a ball, flatten it slightly, and let it chill in a covered container for one hour. This could be a great time to discover more about International Christmas cookies.

Once the dough has chilled, roll it out on a floured surface, using either parchment paper or a floured rolling pin to achieve your desired thickness.

Here’s your chance to get creative! Use cookie cutters to create fun holiday shapes. If you don’t have any, simply draw your desired shape onto a piece of paper, place it on the dough, and cut around it. At my house, star shapes are a favorite, lightly dusted with powdered sugar, while Santa shapes with frosted beards are also a hit. The firm dough allows for intricate designs with just a toothpick.

After shaping your cookies, arrange them on baking sheets lined with parchment paper and bake until golden, roughly 13-15 minutes. Allow the cookies to cool before adding any finishing touches, such as icing or additional powdered sugar. Once the kids are finally tucked in, what better way to end the evening than with a plate of Saint Nicholas cookies and a glass of sparkling red wine? Trust me, Saint Nick would approve!