German Spekulatius

Gorgeous little spice biscuits. I used a pretty wooden spekulatius mould purchased at a German Christmas market in Mannheim.

The hearts are from the mould and the trees are made using a cookie cutter and embossing mat.

A final flourish of shimmer und dort haben Sie es. Schöne kleine Spekulatius!!


Here is the recipe:

Makes approximately 50 (depending on thickness)

300g plain flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
125g butter
Pinch salt
1 large egg
150g brown sugar
1 1/2 teaspoon mixed spice
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Knead all the ingredients together to form a firm pliable dough. Chill for about 1/2 hour

Either thoroughly flour a spekulatius mould, fill with dough and press in firmly. Slice off the excess with a sharp knife.

Or

Roll out to 1/8th inch on a floured surface and cut out cookies to your desired shape.

If you want to make holes for hanging use a drinking straw to cut them out before baking

Line a baking sheet with baking parchment and bake the cookies for 15 minutes in a preheated oven at 175c
Leave to cool on a rack

Decorate with icing, silver balls..... anything you like