25 Days of Cookies: Day 8 Speculaas

December 6th is St. Nicholas Day. We made Speculaas a classic European cookie made in St. Nick's honor. These cookies are delicious, cake like, soft, and spicy. And yes, even toddler-friendly. They look rustic and beautiful and because of the lemon they are bright and balanced. I hope you will give them a try, they are delicious. 

I love the idea of celebrating Saints days. I think it is a wonderful way to take some of the materialism out of Christmas and focus on the promises and goodness of the season. We are celebrating sharing... i.e. generosity. In honor of St. Nicholas who was so generous he gave everything he had to those less fortunate. 

What you need: 1 1/2 cups flour 1/2 cup almond meal 1 teaspoon baking powder 2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice  1/4 teaspoon salt 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature 1 cup firmly packed light brown sugar 1 egg Grated rind of 1 lemon Garnish: sugar or sliced almonds

What you do: 

1. Using your electric mixer whip together the butter and sugar so it is light and fluffy. 
2. Add the egg and lemon zest. 
3. Mix together all of the dry ingredients including the flour and the spices. 
4. Add the dry mix to the wet mix until combined. 
5. Take the dough and cover in cling wrap and put in the refrigerator for 30 minutes or the freezer for 10. 
6. Preheat your over to 350 degrees F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. 
7. Make 1 inch balls of dough and place 2 inches apart on the parchment. Roll each ball in sugar and flatten with the bottom of a glass dipped in sugar. You can if so inclined add three almond slices on to each cookie. This represents the trinity and hope, peace, and love. You can also use a cookie stamp if you have them, which is wear the name of the cookie comes from. :)  
8. Bake for in the middle rack for 10 minutes. 

As always, much love, many blessings, Happy Baking! Happy St. Nick's Day!