Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup finely chopped walnuts
- 1/2 cup finely chopped almonds
- 1 cup finely chopped dried apricots
- 1/2 cup finely chopped pitted dates
- 1/2 cup finely chopped candied orange peel
- 1/2 cup finely chopped crystallized ginger
- 1/2 cup finely chopped dried cranberries
Special Equipment Needed:
- 2 large baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Electric mixer
- Mixing bowl
- Spatula
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugars with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
5. Add the vanilla extract and mix until combined.
6. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture and mix until just combined.
7. Fold in the walnuts, almonds, apricots, dates, orange peel, ginger, and cranberries.
8. Drop the dough by heaping tablespoonfuls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
9. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
10. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Time:
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Temperature: 350 degrees F
Serving Size: Makes about 2 dozen cookies
Nutritional Information:
Calories: 180
Fat: 9 g
Carbohydrates: 22 g
Protein: 2 g
Substitutions for Ingredients:
- For the nuts, you can use any combination of chopped nuts such as pecans, hazelnuts, or pistachios.
- For the dried fruit, you can use any combination of chopped dried fruit such as raisins, cherries, or blueberries.
Variations:
- For a spicier version, add 1/2 teaspoon of ground cardamom to the dry ingredients.
- For a sweeter version, add 1/4 cup of honey to the wet ingredients.
Tips and Tricks:
- For a softer cookie, bake for only 10 minutes.
- For a crunchier cookie, bake for 15 minutes.
Storage Instructions:
Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Reheating Instructions:
Reheat the cookies in a 350 degree F oven for 5 minutes.
Presentation Ideas:
Serve the cookies on a platter with a variety of other cookies for a festive presentation.
Garnishes:
Garnish the cookies with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate.
Pairings:
These cookies pair well with a cup of hot tea or a glass of cold milk.
Suggested Side Dishes:
Serve the cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Troubleshooting Advice:
If the cookies spread too much while baking, try chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
Food Safety Advice:
Make sure to wash your hands and all of your equipment thoroughly before and after handling the dough.
Food History:
Paprenjak cookies are a traditional Croatian cookie that is often served during the holidays.
Flavor Profiles:
These cookies have a sweet and spicy flavor with a hint of citrus from the orange peel.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve the cookies as a dessert or as an afternoon snack with a cup of coffee or tea.
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Region: Croatian