Speculaas (Dutch Windmill Cookie) One of the best Tasting!

Speculaas this is a Cookie we all have around Saint Nicolaas, Sinterklaas around 5th and 6th of December and also around Christmas. I have tried many recipes in my life time... but this is one of the best.  "Yummy"

1 cup unsalted butter
2 tsp. vanilla extract
1 cup granulated sugar
1 1/4 cup brown sugar, firmly packed
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp. baking soda
2 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. nutmeg
1 tsp. ground cloves
1/2 tsp. ginger
1/2 tsp. ground anise seed
1/8 tsp. salt
1/2 cup sliced almonds

In large mixing bowl combine butter and vanilla with both sugars and beat untill light and fluffy. Add beaten eggs and blend well. Sift the flour and all remaining dry ingredients together and beat into the butter mixture. Mix in the sliced almonds by hand, so as not to crush them. Divide the dough into 4 equal portions and chill overnight. Pre-heat oven to 350 degree. Roll the cooled dough into 1/4-inch thick portions and cut with cookie cutters or shape with a special speculaas mold or other cookie mold . Bake for 10-15 minutes and store in airtight container.
Makes 36 cookies

It is best to put the dough together at night so the cookies can be baked the next day. In every recipe it says to put it in the refrigerator over night. I think because of the spices they have time to mix and be more flavor-full.

 

Enjoy Susan