Spiced Almond Butter Cookies (Spekulatius)
Experience the rich, warm flavors of traditional German Spekulatius with this delightful recipe for Spiced Almond Butter Cookies. These exquisitely thin cookies are infused with aromatic spices like cinnamon, ginger, and cardamom, and enriched with the nutty goodness of ground almonds. Perfectly crisp and buttery, Spekulatius cookies are a staple during the holiday season, reminiscent of gingerbread cookies but with a uniquely refined taste. Topped with elegant flaked almonds, these cookies bring a touch of festivity to any gathering. Prepare them in various holiday shapes for a beautiful presentation that will impress family and friends alike. Enjoy the process of creating these delightful treats while keeping the dough chilled for the best results.
N/A
Servings
162
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
flour
18 ounces (sifted)
cinnamon
1 teaspoon (ground)
baking powder
2 teaspoons (none)
almond oil
2 drops (none)
sugar
9 ounces (granulated)
eggs
2 (large)
vanilla extract
1 teaspoon (none)
butter
7 ounces (cold and cubed)
ground cardamom
1/2 teaspoon (ground)
ground almonds or hazelnuts
4 ounces (none)
ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon (ground)
ground ginger (optional)
1/3 teaspoon (ground)
sliced almonds (optional)
to taste (for topping)
Instructions
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1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C or Gas Mark 6).
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2. Grease a baking sheet with butter or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
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3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and all spices (cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and ginger) until evenly mixed.
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4. Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients and add the eggs, sugar, and the drops of almond oil. Gradually combine all the ingredients to form a thick dough.
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5. Cut the cold butter into small cubes and place them on top of the dough along with the ground almonds.
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6. Sprinkle a little extra flour on top, then knead the mixture well until a smooth dough forms. If the dough is too sticky or warm, chill it in the refrigerator for a short time.
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7. Optional: Let the dough rest in the refrigerator for an hour to enhance the flavor and texture.
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8. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch. If desired, sprinkle flaked almonds over the top and lightly press them into the dough.
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9. Use cookie cutters to cut out your desired holiday shapes, and transfer them to the prepared baking sheet.
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10. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for approximately 15 minutes or until they are golden brown and crisp.
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11. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutrition Information
7g
Fat
24g
Carbs
2.4g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Spiced Almond Butter Cookies (Spekulatius)?
Spekulatius are traditional German spiced cookies known for being thin, crisp, and buttery, typically enjoyed during the holiday season.
What is the recommended oven temperature for baking Spekulatius?
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) or Gas Mark 6.
How much flour is required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 18 ounces of sifted flour.
What spices give Spekulatius their signature flavor?
The primary spices used are cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and ground ginger.
Should the butter be cold or at room temperature?
You should use 7 ounces of cold butter, cut into small cubes.
How thin should I roll out the cookie dough?
The dough should be rolled out to a thickness of approximately 1/8 inch.
How long do these cookies need to bake?
Bake the cookies for approximately 15 minutes or until they are golden brown and crisp.
Can I use hazelnuts instead of almonds?
Yes, you can substitute the 4 ounces of ground almonds with ground hazelnuts.
How many calories are in one serving of these cookies?
Each serving contains approximately 162 calories.
How much sugar is needed for the dough?
The recipe requires 9 ounces of granulated sugar.
Should I chill the dough before rolling it out?
Yes, if the dough is too sticky or warm, chill it. Letting it rest for an hour in the refrigerator also enhances flavor and texture.
How many eggs are used in the recipe?
This recipe uses 2 large eggs.
Is almond oil a required ingredient?
The recipe uses 2 drops of almond oil to enrich the aromatic profile of the cookies.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 7 grams of fat in each serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
Each serving contains 24 grams of carbohydrates.
How much protein do these cookies provide?
Each serving provides 2.4 grams of protein.
How should I prepare the baking sheet?
Grease the baking sheet with butter or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
What is the first step in making the dough?
Combine the flour, baking powder, and all spices in a large mixing bowl until evenly mixed.
When should I add the flaked almonds?
Sprinkle the flaked almonds over the rolled-out dough and lightly press them in before cutting out shapes.
Is vanilla extract included in the ingredients?
Yes, the recipe includes 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
How much baking powder is necessary?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of baking powder.
How much cardamom should I use?
Use 1/2 teaspoon of ground cardamom.
Is ginger a mandatory ingredient?
Ground ginger is listed as an optional ingredient, but it adds a nice depth of flavor.
What should I do if the dough becomes too sticky to work with?
Sprinkle a little extra flour on top and knead it well, or chill it in the refrigerator for a short time.
How should the cookies be cooled?
Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
What shapes are traditionally used for Spekulatius?
While traditional German Spekulatius use specific molds, you can use any holiday-themed cookie cutters for a festive presentation.
How much cinnamon is in the recipe?
The recipe requires 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon.
How much ground cloves are needed?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of ground cloves.
What makes these cookies different from standard gingerbread?
Spekulatius have a more refined, buttery taste and a thinner, crisper texture compared to traditional gingerbread.
Can I use sliced almonds for the topping?
Yes, optional sliced almonds can be added to the top of the dough for an elegant finish.