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Spekulatius (German Spice Cookies) Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla sugar
- 7 ounces unsalted butter
at room temperature, 14 tablespoons
- 2 large eggs
at room temperature
- 4 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baker's ammonia
or 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder, single- or double-acting
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon cardamom
Directions
- 1
Gather the ingredients.
- 2
In a large bowl, cream granulated sugar and vanilla sugar with butter until well combined.
- 3
Beat in eggs, one at a time.
- 4
Sift or whisk together flour with baker's ammonia or baking powder, salt, cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom.
- 5
Stir into creamed mixture until it forms a stiff dough.
- 6
Shape dough into a ball, cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 or more hours (overnight is best).
- 7
Oil and flour a spekulatius mold. Tap out all excess flour.
- 8
Roll a golf ball-size piece of dough between your lightly floured hands into an egg shape. Press the dough into the mold, filling all crevices.
- 9
Use a sharp knife or piece of kitchen twine to cut off excess dough, so the dough is flush with mold. Tap the mold on the counter to release the cookie, or use a sharp knife to start the release of cookie.
- 10
Carefully place the cookie on a cookie sheet and repeat with the rest of the dough.
- 11
If this process becomes too onerous, or you do not own any cookie molds, roll the dough 1/8 inch thick (2 to 3 ml) and cut out cookies using your favorite cookie cutters.
- 12
Bake in an oven heated to 350 F for 10 to 12 minutes or until the cookies brown slightly around the edges. These cookies can be decorated like conventional sugar cookies, but the old-fashioned mold imprints should not be overshadowed, nor should the delicate flavor of the dough be masked.
- 13
Serve and enjoy!
Spekulatius (German Spice Cookies) Recipe
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Based on 45 ratings
Rating Breakdown
About this Recipe
Craving a taste of classic German holiday tradition? These Spekulatius (German Spice Cookies) are your answer, offering crisp, thin, spiced perfection that brings festive cheer to any occasion.
Why These German Spice Cookies Work
This recipe shines by delivering an authentic Spekulatius experience, focusing on a precise blend of warming Christmas spices—cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom—that are the heart of these delightful biscuits. The careful balance of flavors ensures each bite is wonderfully aromatic and truly memorable, capturing the essence of European holiday baking. You'll find the method creates a distinctively crisp, delicate texture that sets these cookies apart.
What to Expect
Prepare for a truly special holiday treat. These German spice cookies are wonderfully crisp and thin, bursting with the comforting aroma and distinct taste of Christmas spices. Imagine the warmth of cinnamon, the subtle kick of cloves, and the fragrant notes of cardamom dancing together on your palate. Each bite offers a delightful snap, leaving a lingering, complex spice flavor that's both familiar and uniquely festive. They are light, airy, and utterly addictive, making them an ideal companion for a cozy winter afternoon or a festive gathering.
Customization & Variations
This recipe provides a choice between baker's ammonia and baking powder for leavening; either will result in delicious cookies. If you don't have vanilla sugar on hand, you can use regular granulated sugar, perhaps adding a small amount of vanilla extract to your wet ingredients for that familiar vanilla note. Feel free to subtly adjust the spice quantities to suit your preference, perhaps leaning more into cinnamon or dialing back the cloves if you prefer a milder spice profile. These cookies are wonderfully simple, making them adaptable while still retaining their classic charm.
Serving & Context
Spekulatius are the quintessential holiday cookie, perfect for sharing with friends and family during Christmas gatherings, or simply enjoying with a warm cup of coffee or tea. Their delicate crispness makes them a delightful addition to any cookie platter.