Spiced Dutch Holiday Cookies
These delightful Spiced Dutch Holiday Cookies, also known as St. Nikolaas Koekjes, are a cherished treat perfect for any celebration, especially during the festive season. With their rich buttery flavor, warm spices, and crunchy nuts, these cookies transcend the typical holiday cookie experience. Enjoy them with your favorite cup of tea or coffee any time of the year. The dough requires an overnight chilling period to enhance the flavors and achieve the perfect texture, making the anticipation even sweeter!
72
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Butter
2 cups (softened)
Sugar
2 cups (granulated)
Flour
4 cups (sifted)
Ground Cinnamon
4 teaspoons
Nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon (freshly grated for better flavor (optional))
Clove
1/2 teaspoon (ground)
Baking Soda
1/2 teaspoon
Salt
1/4 teaspoon
Sour Cream
1/2 cup
Nuts
1/2 cup (chopped (walnuts or pecans recommended))
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, cream the soft butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
2
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, baking soda, and salt.
3
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed butter mixture, alternating with the sour cream. Mix until well combined.
4
Fold in the chopped nuts until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
5
On a lightly floured surface, knead the dough gently until smooth.
6
Shape the dough into a loaf, wrap it tightly in waxed paper, and refrigerate overnight to allow the flavors to develop.
7
The next day, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
8
Once the oven is ready, remove the dough from the refrigerator and slice it into approximately 1/4-inch thick rounds.
9
Place the cookie slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving space between each cookie.
10
Bake for about 8 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned. Watch them closely to prevent over-baking.
11
Remove from the oven and allow to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Spiced Dutch Holiday Cookies?
Spiced Dutch Holiday Cookies are a cherished festive treat known for their rich buttery flavor, warm spices, and crunchy nuts, often served during celebrations.
What is another name for these cookies?
These cookies are traditionally known as St. Nikolaas Koekjes.
How long should I chill the cookie dough?
The dough requires an overnight chilling period in the refrigerator to allow the flavors to develop and to achieve the correct texture.
What is the recommended oven temperature for baking?
The oven should be preheated to 400°F (200°C) before baking the cookies.
How many cookies does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 72 servings.
What types of nuts are recommended for this recipe?
Chopped walnuts or pecans are the recommended nut choices for these cookies.
How thick should the cookie slices be?
You should slice the chilled dough loaf into rounds that are approximately 1/4-inch thick.
How long do the cookies need to bake?
The cookies bake for about 8 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned.
Do I need to sift the flour?
Yes, the recipe calls for 4 cups of sifted flour to be mixed with the other dry ingredients.
Can I eat these cookies only during the holidays?
No, while they are a holiday favorite, they can be enjoyed with tea or coffee any time of the year.
What spices are used in Spiced Dutch Holiday Cookies?
The recipe uses ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and ground clove.
Should the butter be melted or softened?
The recipe requires 2 cups of softened butter to be creamed with the sugar.
How should I store the dough overnight?
Shape the dough into a loaf and wrap it tightly in waxed paper before placing it in the refrigerator.
Do I need to grease the baking sheet?
The instructions recommend lining your baking sheet with parchment paper rather than greasing it.
What is the best way to mix the dry and wet ingredients?
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed butter mixture, alternating with the sour cream until well combined.
Is kneading required for this dough?
Yes, you should knead the dough gently on a lightly floured surface until it becomes smooth.
How do I know when the cookies are finished baking?
The cookies are done when the edges are lightly browned; watch them closely to prevent over-baking.
Can I use freshly grated nutmeg?
Yes, using 1/2 teaspoon of freshly grated nutmeg is recommended for better flavor.
What should I do after removing the cookies from the oven?
Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
What is the purpose of the sour cream in the recipe?
Sour cream adds moisture and contributes to the unique texture and flavor profile of the cookie.
How much cinnamon is included?
The recipe calls for 4 teaspoons of ground cinnamon.
What type of sugar is best for this recipe?
The recipe specifies 2 cups of granulated sugar.
Is there any leavening agent in these cookies?
Yes, the recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda as a leavening agent.
What should the butter and sugar mixture look like?
They should be creamed together until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Can I leave out the nuts?
While the nuts provide a signature crunch, you can omit them if you have an allergy or preference, though it will change the texture.
Are these cookies considered a dessert or a snack?
They are versatile and can be categorized as both a dessert and a tea-time snack.
How much salt is in the recipe?
The recipe includes 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
Should the cookies be placed close together on the baking sheet?
No, you should leave space between each cookie slice on the baking sheet.
What is the main flavor profile of these cookies?
The flavor profile is rich and buttery with deep notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
Can I prepare the dough more than one day in advance?
While the recipe specifies refrigerating overnight, cookie dough generally holds well in the fridge for 24-48 hours if wrapped tightly.