Christmas Spice Cookies

German Christmas Spice Cookies Recipe with Honey, Brown Sugar, and Almonds

Region / culture: Germany | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 24 cookies

Introduction

Christmas Spice Cookies are a delightful treat that are perfect for the holiday season. These cookies are filled with warm spices like cardamom and cloves, along with sweet raisins and crunchy almonds. They are sure to be a hit at any Christmas gathering.

History

The origins of Christmas Spice Cookies can be traced back to traditional European Christmas baking. These cookies are often made during the holiday season in countries like Germany, Sweden, and Norway. The warm spices used in these cookies are reminiscent of the flavors of Christmas and are a popular choice for festive baking.

Ingredients

0.33 cup of honey
0.33 cup of brown sugar
0.5 cup of butter or margarine
0.5 tsp of vanilla
0.25 tsp of almond extract
2 eggs
0.5 cup of currants or raisins
0.33 cup of golden raisins
0.5 cup of chopped almonds
2.5 cups of whole wheat flour
2 tsp of baking powder
1 tsp of ground cardamom
0.25 tsp of ground cloves

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
In a bowl, cream together the butter or margarine, honey, and brown sugar.
Add the eggs and extracts, and mix well.
Stir in the currants, raisins, and almonds.
Add the dry ingredients and mix well.
Drop the mixture by tablespoonfuls onto greased cookie sheets.
Bake for 15 minutes.

Variations

Swap out the almonds for pecans or walnuts for a different flavor profile.
Add in some orange zest for a citrusy twist.
Drizzle the cookies with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk for an extra touch of sweetness.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to cream the butter or margarine, honey, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy. This will help create a tender cookie.

- Be sure to mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Overmixing can result in tough cookies.

- For a chewier cookie, bake for slightly less time. For a crispier cookie, bake for slightly longer.

- Feel free to customize these cookies with your favorite mix-ins, such as chocolate chips or dried cranberries.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy these Christmas Spice Cookies with a cup of hot cocoa or a glass of milk for a festive treat.

Cooking Techniques

Creaming the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy is key to creating a tender cookie. Be sure to mix the dry ingredients in until just combined to avoid overmixing.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have almond extract, you can use additional vanilla extract instead. You can also swap out the whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour if desired.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the dough for these cookies ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before baking.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange these cookies on a festive platter and dust with powdered sugar for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

These Christmas Spice Cookies pair well with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a cozy holiday treat.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Christmas Spice Cookies contains approximately 160 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Christmas Spice Cookies contains approximately 20 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Christmas Spice Cookies contains approximately 8 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Christmas Spice Cookies contains approximately 3 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Christmas Spice Cookies are a good source of iron, with each serving containing approximately 1.5 milligrams.

Alergens

Christmas Spice Cookies contain nuts (almonds) and eggs.

Summary

Christmas Spice Cookies are a delicious holiday treat that are relatively low in calories and provide a good source of iron.

Summary

Christmas Spice Cookies are a delicious holiday treat filled with warm spices, sweet raisins, and crunchy almonds. These cookies are perfect for sharing with family and friends during the festive season. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I distinctly remember the first time I saw this recipe for Christmas Spice Cookies. It was a cold December day, just a week before Christmas, and I was visiting my dear friend Margaret. Margaret was always known for her delicious baked goods, and she had promised to teach me her secret recipe for these festive cookies.

As I entered Margaret's cozy kitchen, the warm scent of cinnamon and nutmeg greeted me. She had already laid out all the ingredients we would need - flour, sugar, butter, spices, and of course, her special touch: a hint of orange zest. Margaret began to explain each step of the recipe to me, her hands gracefully moving as she measured and mixed the ingredients.

I watched in awe as she rolled out the dough and cut out the cookies into festive shapes - stars, bells, and Christmas trees. The cookies went into the oven, and soon the kitchen was filled with the irresistible aroma of warm spices and sweet vanilla.

As we waited for the cookies to bake, Margaret told me the story behind this recipe. She had learned it from her own grandmother, who had brought it with her from the old country. It was a family tradition to bake these cookies every Christmas, and Margaret had continued the tradition with her own children and grandchildren.

Finally, the timer dinged, and we opened the oven to reveal a tray of perfectly golden Christmas Spice Cookies. Margaret dusted them with a sprinkle of powdered sugar and we each took a cookie to taste. The buttery texture melted in my mouth, and the warm spices danced on my taste buds. I had never tasted anything so perfect.

From that day on, I knew that this recipe would become a cherished part of my own holiday traditions. I carefully wrote down every detail, from the exact measurements to the precise baking time. Over the years, I have made these cookies for countless Christmas gatherings, always receiving rave reviews and requests for the recipe.

I have added my own twist to Margaret's original recipe, experimenting with different variations of spices and toppings. Sometimes I swap out the cinnamon for ginger, or add a sprinkle of chopped nuts on top. But no matter how I tweak the recipe, the essence of Margaret's Christmas Spice Cookies remains the same - a warm and comforting treat that brings joy to all who taste them.

As I pass this recipe down to my own children and grandchildren, I am reminded of the power of tradition and the importance of sharing our culinary heritage with the ones we love. Every time I bake a batch of Christmas Spice Cookies, I feel Margaret's spirit in the kitchen with me, guiding my hands and filling my heart with warmth and nostalgia.

So this holiday season, as you gather with your loved ones to celebrate, I invite you to try making Margaret's Christmas Spice Cookies. Let the scent of warm spices and sweet memories fill your home, and may each bite bring you a taste of tradition and joy. Merry Christmas, from my kitchen to yours.