Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 egg
Special equipment needed:
- Stand mixer or hand mixer
- Rolling pin
- Cookie cutters (optional)
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and salt. Set aside.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add the maple syrup and egg to the butter mixture and mix until well combined.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
5. Divide the dough in half and shape each half into a disk. Wrap each disk in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
6. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
7. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk of dough to 1/8-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out desired shapes, or use a knife to cut the dough into squares or rectangles.
8. Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
9. Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Chilling time: 1 hour
Cooking time: 8-10 minutes per batch
Temperature:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C)
Serving size:
Makes approximately 24 cookies
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 120
Total fat: 6g
Saturated fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 25mg
Sodium: 35mg
Total carbohydrates: 15g
Dietary fiber: 0g
Total sugars: 7g
Protein: 1g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Whole wheat flour can be substituted for all-purpose flour for a healthier option.
- Brown sugar can be substituted for granulated sugar for a richer flavor.
- Honey can be substituted for maple syrup for a different flavor profile.
Variations:
- Add 1/2 cup of chopped nuts or dried fruit to the dough for added texture and flavor.
- Use different cookie cutters to create different shapes and sizes of cookies.
- Add a glaze or frosting to the cookies for added sweetness.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the butter is at room temperature before creaming it with the sugar to ensure a smooth mixture.
- Chill the dough for at least 1 hour before rolling it out to make it easier to handle.
- Use a light touch when rolling out the dough to prevent it from becoming tough.
- Don't overbake the cookies, as they will become dry and hard.
Storage instructions:
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Reheating instructions:
If the cookies become stale, place them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 3-5 minutes to crisp them up.
Presentation ideas:
Arrange the cookies on a platter or in a decorative tin for a festive presentation.
Garnishes:
Sprinkle the cookies with powdered sugar or drizzle them with melted chocolate for added sweetness.
Pairings:
Serve the cookies with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a cozy treat.
Suggested side dishes:
These cookies are a sweet treat on their own and do not require any side dishes.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour until it becomes easier to handle.
- If the cookies spread too much during baking, chill the dough for an additional 30 minutes before baking.
- If the cookies are too hard, reduce the baking time by 1-2 minutes.
Food safety advice:
Make sure to wash your hands and all utensils and surfaces thoroughly before and after handling raw dough.
Food history:
Moravian spice cookies are a traditional cookie from the Moravian community in North Carolina. They are typically made with a blend of spices and molasses, but this recipe uses maple syrup for a different flavor profile.
Flavor profiles:
These cookies have a warm, spicy flavor with a hint of sweetness from the maple syrup.
Serving suggestions:
Serve these cookies as a sweet treat with a cup of hot tea or coffee.
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