Belgian Christmas Cookies

Belgian Christmas Cookies Recipe - Delicious Holiday Treats

Region / culture: Belgium | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 12 minutes | Servings: 24 bars

Introduction

Belgian Christmas Cookies are a delightful treat that brings warmth and joy to the holiday season. These cookies, with their rich blend of almond extract, brown sugar, and a hint of cinnamon, are a staple in Belgian holiday traditions. The recipe combines simple ingredients to create a cookie that is both tender and flavorful, making it a favorite among both children and adults. Whether you're continuing a family tradition or looking to add something new to your holiday baking repertoire, Belgian Christmas Cookies are sure to impress.

History

The tradition of Belgian Christmas Cookies dates back several generations. Originating in Belgium, these cookies were typically baked during the Christmas season to celebrate the holiday and spread cheer among family and friends. The recipe has been passed down through families, with each generation adding their own touch while preserving the cookie's classic flavors. Today, Belgian Christmas Cookies are enjoyed by people all over the world, embodying the spirit of the holiday season with their sweet, comforting taste.

Ingredients

0.67 cup butter
1 tsp almond extract
1 cup packed brown sugar
2 eggs
1.67 cup all-purpose flour
1.5 tsp baking powder
0.5 tsp salt
0.5 cup finely chopped blanched almonds
0.5 tsp ground cinnamon
2 tsp red decorator sugar
2 tsp green decorator sugar

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a mixing bowl, cream the butter with the extract. Gradually add the brown sugar, creaming until fluffy.
Add the eggs one at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition.
Sift the flour, baking powder, and salt together. Add the sifted mixture to the creamed mixture in thirds, mixing until blended after each addition.
Turn the batter into a greased 15 x 10 x 1 inch jelly roll pan and spread it evenly to the edges.
Sprinkle a mixture of almonds and cinnamon over the batter, then sprinkle with a mixture of red and green sugars.
Bake for 10 – 12 minutes, or until golden brown.
While still warm, cut into bars.
Allow the bars to cool, then enjoy.

Variations

To add a twist to the traditional recipe, consider incorporating chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or orange zest into the batter. For a nut-free version, omit the almonds and substitute with pumpkin seeds or leave them out entirely.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To ensure your Belgian Christmas Cookies turn out perfectly, consider the following tips and tricks:

- Use room temperature butter for easier creaming with the sugar.

- Sift the flour, baking powder, and salt together to avoid lumps and ensure an even distribution of ingredients.

- Spread the batter evenly in the pan to ensure uniform baking.

- Keep a close eye on the cookies as they bake, as oven temperatures can vary and may affect baking time.

- Cut the cookies while they are still warm to prevent them from crumbling.

Serving Suggestions

Belgian Christmas Cookies are best served as part of a holiday dessert spread. They pair wonderfully with hot cocoa, coffee, or mulled wine. For a festive presentation, serve them on a platter adorned with holiday decorations.

Cooking Techniques

The key technique in this recipe is creaming the butter and sugar together until fluffy, which introduces air into the batter and contributes to the cookies' light texture. Sifting the dry ingredients helps prevent lumps and ensures an even distribution of the leavening agent.

Ingredient Substitutions

For a dairy-free version, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative. If almond extract isn't available, vanilla extract can be used as a substitute, though the flavor profile will change slightly.

Make Ahead Tips

The cookie dough can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Allow it to come to room temperature before spreading in the pan and baking. Baked cookies can also be frozen for up to a month, tightly wrapped.

Presentation Ideas

For a festive look, use a combination of red and green decorator sugars. Alternatively, drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled cookies for added decadence.

Pairing Recommendations

Belgian Christmas Cookies pair beautifully with a variety of holiday beverages. Try them with eggnog, spiced apple cider, or a rich, dark coffee to complement their sweet and spiced flavors.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the cookies and thaw at room temperature before serving. Reheating is not recommended, as it may alter the texture.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

A serving of Belgian Christmas Cookies contains approximately 150 calories. This makes them a relatively indulgent treat, perfect for enjoying in moderation during the holiday season.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Belgian Christmas Cookies contains approximately 22 grams of carbohydrates. The primary source of carbohydrates in this recipe comes from the all-purpose flour and brown sugar, providing the cookies with their tender texture and sweet flavor.

Fats

Belgian Christmas Cookies contain about 8 grams of fat per serving. The majority of the fat content comes from the butter, which contributes to the cookies' rich flavor and moist texture. The almonds also add a small amount of healthy fats.

Proteins

Each serving of these cookies provides approximately 2 grams of protein. The protein content primarily comes from the eggs and almonds included in the recipe.

Vitamins and minerals

Belgian Christmas Cookies offer a range of vitamins and minerals, including calcium from the baking powder and eggs, and iron from the all-purpose flour. The almonds also contribute vitamin E and magnesium.

Alergens

This recipe contains common allergens such as eggs, nuts (almonds), and gluten (wheat flour). Individuals with allergies to these ingredients should avoid this recipe or consider suitable substitutions.

Summary

Belgian Christmas Cookies are a delicious treat that, like many holiday sweets, are best enjoyed in moderation. They provide a modest amount of protein and some beneficial vitamins and minerals, but are also relatively high in sugars and fats.

Summary

Belgian Christmas Cookies are a cherished holiday treat that combines the rich flavors of butter, brown sugar, and almonds with the festive warmth of cinnamon. This recipe is not only a delicious addition to your holiday baking but also a way to share the joy and tradition of Belgian Christmas with friends and family. With a balance of sweet, nutty, and spiced flavors, these cookies are sure to become a holiday favorite.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately drawn to it. It was a cold winter day, just a few weeks before Christmas, and I was browsing through the pages of an old cookbook that I had picked up at a thrift store. As soon as I saw the recipe for Belgian Christmas Cookies, I knew I had to try it out.

I had always been a lover of all things sweet and delicious, and the thought of adding a new recipe to my collection excited me. I carefully read through the ingredients and instructions, mentally noting everything I would need to make these delectable cookies.

The next day, I set out to gather all the necessary ingredients. I made a list and headed to the grocery store, picking out the best quality butter, sugar, flour, and spices that I could find. I also made sure to pick up some special Belgian chocolate, which I knew would take these cookies to the next level.

When I got home, I wasted no time in getting started. I preheated the oven and began to cream the butter and sugar together, relishing in the sweet scent that filled the kitchen. As I added the flour and spices, I thought back to all the times I had spent in the kitchen with my own grandmother, watching and learning as she whipped up delicious meals and treats.

As the dough began to come together, I carefully rolled it out and cut it into the traditional shapes that the recipe called for. I popped them into the oven and waited anxiously for them to bake to perfection. The scent of warm spices and buttery goodness filled the air, making my mouth water in anticipation.

When the timer finally went off, I pulled the cookies out of the oven and let them cool on a wire rack. As I took my first bite, I was transported back to my childhood, when my grandmother would bake cookies for me and my siblings on lazy Sunday afternoons. The taste was rich and buttery, with just the right amount of sweetness from the chocolate and spices.

I knew that I had found a new favorite recipe, one that would become a staple in my holiday baking for years to come. I made a mental note to share it with my own grandchildren one day, passing down the tradition of baking delicious Belgian Christmas Cookies from generation to generation.

As I sat at the kitchen table, savoring the last bite of my cookie, I felt a sense of pride and satisfaction wash over me. I had learned a new recipe, one that brought back fond memories of my own grandmother and childhood. And as I closed the cookbook and wiped the crumbs from my lips, I knew that this recipe would always hold a special place in my heart.