Speculaas (Belgian Spice Cookies)

Prettig sinterklaasfeest! Happy St. Nicholas Day! Enjoy the fest with these traditional Belgian spice cookies!

Recipe adapted from NPR

yields about 3 dozen small cookies

Ingredients

• 1 c unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ c sugar
• ¾ c brown sugar
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 eggs
• 3 c all purpose flour
• ½ c almond meal*
• 2 tsp baking soda
• 2 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1 tsp ground cloves
• ½ tsp ground ginger
• ½ tsp ground allspice
• ¼ tsp salt

* almond meal or almond flour is readily available at most grocery store. To make your own, pulse about ⅔ cup sliced or slivered almonds with 1 Tbsp flour in a blender or food processor until finely ground.


Directions

• Cream together the butter and sugars until fluffy and well combined. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating until just combined.
• In a second bowl, whisk together the flour, almond meal, baking soda, spices and salt.
• Gradually beat the flour mixture into the butter mixture until just combined. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead slightly.
• Divide dough into 2 portions. Roll into a ball, wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
• Preheat the oven to 350 F
• On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out ¼ inch thick. Cut using cookie cutters. Arrange on a lightly greased cookie sheet, spacing the cookies at least an inch apart. Alternatively, press the dough into a cookie mold to shape.
• 10 to 15 minutes, or until cookies are browned and slightly crisp.