Dutch Speculaas

[nverland]

Dutch Speculaas
Total Time Prep: 40 min. + chilling Bake: 10 min./batch


Ingredients

1 cup butter, softened
1 cup packed dark brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 tablespoon molasses
2 teaspoons grated orange zest
3-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup finely ground almonds
3 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon white pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom

Directions

In a large bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, molasses and orange zest. Combine the flour, ground almonds, cinnamon, baking powder, nutmeg, cloves, pepper, ginger and cardamom. Gradually add to creamed mixture and mix well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until easy to handle.
Preheat oven to 350°. On a parchment paper-lined surface, roll a small amount of dough to 1/8-in. thickness. Use a floured cookie stamp to press design into dough, then cut with floured 3-in. cookie cutters, leaving 1 in. between cookies. Remove excess dough and reroll scraps, if desired.
Transfer parchment paper with dough to cookie sheet. If dough has warmed, place baking sheet in refrigerator until it firms up, about 10-15 minutes. Bake at 350° until edges are lightly browned, 8-10 minutes. Remove from pans to wire racks to cool.

To Make Ahead: Dough can be made 2 days in advance. Let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes before rolling out. Cookies can be baked 1 week ahead of time and stored in an airtight container at room temperature or frozen for up to 1 month.

Nutrition Facts
1 cookie: 151 calories, 7g fat (4g saturated fat), 30mg cholesterol, 65mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.