True Spice Cookies

True Spice Cookies Recipe - Delicious Cookies made with Olive Oil, Molasses, and Spices

| Servings: 24

Introduction

True Spice Cookies are a classic holiday treat that are perfect for enjoying with a cup of tea or coffee. These cookies are packed with warm spices like cinnamon, ginger, mace, and cloves, giving them a rich and flavorful taste that is sure to please your taste buds.

History

The origins of True Spice Cookies can be traced back to traditional European baking recipes that date back centuries. These cookies were often made during the holiday season as a special treat for family and friends. Over time, the recipe has evolved and been adapted to suit different tastes and preferences.

Ingredients

0.75 cup of olive oil
0.25 cup of molasses
1 and 0.25 cup of sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp of vanilla extract
1 and 0.75 cup of flour
1 cup of whole wheat pastry flour
1 and 0.5 tsp of baking soda
0.5 tsp of salt
1 and 0.5 tbsp of ground cinnamon
1 and 0.5 tbsp of ground ginger
1 tsp of mace
2 tsp of ground cloves

How to prepare

In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, molasses, 1 cup of sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract.
In a separate medium bowl, combine the flours, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, mace, and cloves.
Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until well combined.
Cover the bowl and refrigerate the dough overnight.
When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
Place the remaining 0.25 cup of sugar in a small bowl.
Use your palms to form the dough into 1.5 inch balls, then roll them in the sugar.
Place the dough balls on the baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart.
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until the tops of the cookies crack.
Allow the cookies to cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheets, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Variations

Add chopped nuts or dried fruit to the dough for added texture and flavor.
Drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled cookies for a decadent touch.
Substitute the olive oil with melted butter for a richer taste.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to refrigerate the dough overnight to allow the flavors to meld together and develop.

- Rolling the dough balls in sugar before baking adds a sweet and crunchy texture to the cookies.

- Be sure to space the dough balls 2 inches apart on the baking sheets to allow for even baking.

- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Serving Suggestions

True Spice Cookies are perfect for enjoying with a hot cup of tea or coffee. They also make a great addition to holiday cookie platters or gift baskets.

Cooking Techniques

Whisking together the wet ingredients before adding the dry ingredients ensures a smooth and well-mixed dough.

- Rolling the dough balls in sugar before baking adds a sweet and crunchy texture to the cookies.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can substitute the olive oil with melted butter for a richer taste.

- If you don't have mace, you can use nutmeg as a substitute.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the dough for True Spice Cookies ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight. This allows the flavors to develop and makes for an easier baking process the next day.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange True Spice Cookies on a festive platter and dust with powdered sugar for a beautiful presentation. You can also package them in decorative tins or boxes for gift-giving.

Pairing Recommendations

True Spice Cookies pair well with a variety of beverages, including tea, coffee, hot chocolate, or mulled cider. They also go well with creamy desserts like ice cream or pudding.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store True Spice Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. To reheat, place the cookies in a 350°F (177°C) oven for a few minutes until warm.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of True Spice Cookies contains approximately 180 calories.

Carbohydrates

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

Fats

Each serving of True Spice Cookies contains approximately 8 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of True Spice Cookies contains approximately 2 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

True Spice Cookies are a good source of iron, calcium, and vitamin A.

Alergens

True Spice Cookies contain eggs and wheat.

Summary

True Spice Cookies are a delicious treat that is relatively low in calories and a good source of essential nutrients like iron and calcium.

Summary

True Spice Cookies are a classic holiday treat that is perfect for enjoying with a cup of tea or coffee. Packed with warm spices and rich flavors, these cookies are sure to be a hit with family and friends. With a few simple ingredients and easy preparation, you can whip up a batch of these delicious cookies in no time.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately captivated. It was a cold winter day, and I was visiting my dear friend Margaret, who was known for her delicious baked goods. As soon as I walked into her cozy kitchen, the warm, spicy scent of cinnamon and cloves enveloped me like a comforting hug.

Margaret greeted me with a smile and a twinkle in her eye. "I have a new recipe to share with you today," she said, pulling out a tattered, well-loved recipe card from her recipe box. "These are my True Spice Cookies, and they are sure to warm your soul on a chilly day like today."

I watched in awe as Margaret effortlessly measured out the ingredients, her hands moving with the ease and grace of someone who had been baking for decades. She shared stories of how she had learned the recipe from her own grandmother, who had passed it down through the generations.

As the cookies baked in the oven, filling the kitchen with their irresistible aroma, Margaret and I sat at the kitchen table, sipping tea and reminiscing about our shared love of baking. She shared tips and tricks she had learned over the years, and I soaked up every word like a sponge, eager to learn as much as I could from this baking master.

When the cookies were finally ready, Margaret carefully removed them from the oven, their golden-brown edges glistening with a light dusting of sugar. She placed a plate of cookies in front of me, and I took a bite, savoring the warm, spicy flavors that danced on my tongue.

"These are delicious, Margaret," I exclaimed, my heart full of gratitude for the gift of this recipe. "Thank you for sharing it with me."

Margaret smiled, her eyes sparkling with joy. "It's my pleasure, dear. Baking is my passion, and I love passing on the tradition to others. I know you will make these True Spice Cookies with love and share them with your loved ones, just as I have."

From that day on, True Spice Cookies became a staple in my own baking repertoire. I made them for family gatherings, potlucks, and holiday celebrations, and each time I did, I felt a connection to Margaret and her grandmother, as if their love and wisdom were baked into every cookie.

As the years went by, I continued to hone my skills in the kitchen, experimenting with different spices and techniques to create my own signature twist on the classic recipe. I added a pinch of nutmeg here, a dash of cardamom there, always striving to perfect the balance of flavors and textures that made True Spice Cookies so irresistible.

I shared the recipe with friends and neighbors, who raved about the cookies' warm, comforting taste. They asked me where I had learned to make them, and I proudly told them the story of Margaret and her grandmother, passing on the tradition of True Spice Cookies from one generation to the next.

Now, as I sit in my own cozy kitchen, surrounded by the scent of cinnamon and cloves, I can't help but smile as I mix together the ingredients for a fresh batch of True Spice Cookies. The memories of Margaret and her grandmother are woven into every step of the process, guiding my hands and filling my heart with warmth and gratitude.

As I take the first bite of a freshly baked cookie, I close my eyes and savor the familiar flavors that have become a part of who I am. The True Spice Cookies are more than just a recipe – they are a reminder of the enduring power of tradition, love, and connection that transcends time and space.

And as I share these cookies with my own family and friends, I know that the legacy of True Spice Cookies will live on, bringing joy and comfort to those who taste them, just as Margaret did for me all those years ago.