Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated orange zest
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
Special equipment needed:
- Stand mixer or handheld mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg.
3. In a separate large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add the egg, orange zest, and orange juice to the butter mixture and beat until well combined.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
6. Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
8. Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 10-12 minutes per batch
Temperature:
350°F (180°C)
Serving size:
Makes about 24 cookies
Nutritional information:
Per serving (1 cookie):
Calories: 120
Total fat: 5g
Saturated fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 20mg
Sodium: 65mg
Total carbohydrates: 18g
Dietary fiber: 0g
Total sugars: 11g
Protein: 1g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use margarine or shortening instead of butter.
- You can use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar.
- You can use lemon zest and juice instead of orange.
Variations:
- Add 1/2 cup chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, to the dough.
- Add 1/2 cup raisins or dried cranberries to the dough.
- Dip the cooled cookies in melted chocolate for a decadent treat.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure your butter is at room temperature before beating it with the sugar.
- Don't overmix the dough or the cookies will be tough.
- If the dough is too sticky, chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before scooping.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Storage instructions:
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Reheating instructions:
The cookies can be reheated in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a 350°F (180°C) oven for 5 minutes.
Presentation ideas:
Arrange the cookies on a platter and dust with powdered sugar for a festive touch.
Garnishes:
Garnish each cookie with a small piece of candied orange peel or a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Pairings:
Serve the cookies with a cup of hot tea or coffee.
Suggested side dishes:
These cookies are perfect on their own, but you can also serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a special treat.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the cookies are too flat, your butter may have been too soft. Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
- If the cookies are too dry, you may have overbaked them. Reduce the baking time by 1-2 minutes.
Food safety advice:
Make sure to wash your hands and all surfaces and utensils that come into contact with the dough to prevent the spread of bacteria.
Food history:
Moravian spice cookies are a traditional Christmas cookie from the Moravian community in North Carolina. They are known for their thin, crisp texture and warm spices.
Flavor profiles:
These cookies are sweet and spicy with a bright citrus flavor from the orange zest and juice.
Serving suggestions:
Serve these cookies at your next holiday gathering or package them up as a homemade gift for friends and family.
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Region: Czech