Embark on a global journey of flavors with "Cookies Around the World 2 of 5," a spice-forward recipe inspired by traditional European baking. These aromatic cookies combine warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves, with the subtle sweetness of brown sugar for a comforting and fragrant treat. The optional addition of ground anise seed lends a hint of licorice-like complexity, making each bite an unforgettable experience. With a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture and the option to decorate with slivered almonds, these cookies are as delightful to look at as they are to eat. Perfectly crisp and golden after just 15 minutes in the oven, they are ideal for holiday gatherings, tea-time indulgence, or as a nostalgic nod to international baking traditions. Easy to make and store, these cookies are your passport to delicious exploration!
In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, brown sugar, baking powder, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground cloves, ground ginger, ground anise seed (if using), and salt.
Add the cold, cubed unsalted butter to the dry ingredients. Use your fingertips or a pastry cutter to work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
Add the milk and mix until the dough comes together. If the dough is too crumbly, add an additional teaspoon of milk at a time until it holds together.
Form the dough into a flat disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to overnight to allow the flavors to develop.
Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Lightly flour a clean work surface and roll out the dough to about 0.5 cm (1/4 inch) thickness.
Use cookie cutters or a knife to cut the dough into your desired shapes, such as windmills, rectangular bars, or other festive shapes.
If desired, press slivered almonds onto the tops of the cookies for decoration.
Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a small space between each cookie.
Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly golden brown around the edges.
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Store the cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Calories |
2895 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 151.0 g | 194% | |
| Saturated Fat | 79.7 g | 399% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 329 mg | 110% | |
| Sodium | 1707 mg | 74% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 358.5 g | 130% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 16.8 g | 60% | |
| Total Sugars | 149.3 g | ||
| Protein | 38.8 g | 78% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.0 mcg | 10% | |
| Calcium | 411 mg | 32% | |
| Iron | 15.6 mg | 87% | |
| Potassium | 930 mg | 20% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.