Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons molasses
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup finely chopped pecans
- 1 cup finely chopped dried fruit (such as raisins, currants, or dates)
Special Equipment Needed:
- Stand mixer or hand mixer
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Rolling pin
- Cookie cutters
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
3. In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract and mix until combined.
5. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
6. Add the pecans and dried fruit and mix until just combined.
7. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to ¼-inch thickness.
8. Using cookie cutters, cut out desired shapes and place on prepared baking sheets.
9. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden brown.
10. Let cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Time:
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Temperature: 350°F
Serving Size: Makes about 2 dozen cookies
Nutritional Information (per cookie):
Calories: 120
Fat: 6 g
Carbohydrates: 14 g
Protein: 2 g
Substitutions for Ingredients:
- Unsalted butter: Margarine or coconut oil
- Granulated sugar: Brown sugar or coconut sugar
- Molasses: Maple syrup or honey
- Pecans: Walnuts or almonds
- Dried fruit: Chocolate chips or dried cranberries
Variations:
- Add 1 teaspoon of ground ginger for a spicier cookie
- Add 1 teaspoon of ground cardamom for a more exotic flavor
- Use a combination of different dried fruits for a more colorful cookie
- Add 1 cup of white chocolate chips for a sweeter cookie
Tips and Tricks:
- Make sure to roll out the dough to an even thickness for even baking
- Use a sharp cookie cutter for clean edges
- Let the cookies cool completely before storing
Storage Instructions:
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Reheating Instructions:
Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes or until warmed through.
Presentation Ideas:
- Place the cookies in a decorative tin or box
- Arrange the cookies on a platter with fresh fruit
- Stack the cookies in a tower on a cake stand
Garnishes:
- Sprinkle with powdered sugar
- Drizzle with melted chocolate
- Top with a dollop of whipped cream
Pairings:
- Coffee
- Hot chocolate
- Tea
Suggested Side Dishes:
- Fruit salad
- Ice cream
- Yogurt
Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the cookies are too soft, bake for an additional 2-3 minutes
- If the cookies are too hard, reduce the baking time by 2-3 minutes
Food Safety Advice:
- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before baking
- Use a food thermometer to make sure the cookies are cooked through
Food History:
Pepernoten are a traditional Dutch cookie that is usually served around the holidays. The cookies are made with spices and dried fruit, and are usually shaped into small balls or discs.
Flavor Profiles:
Pepernoten cookies have a sweet and spicy flavor with hints of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. The addition of dried fruit and nuts adds a chewy texture and a hint of crunch.
Serving Suggestions:
Pepernoten cookies are best served with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate. They can also be served as part of a dessert platter with other cookies and pastries.
Related Categories
Cooking Method: N/A
Course Type: N/A
Dietary: N/A
Ingredient: N/A
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Region: Dutch
Taste: Sweet, Spicy, Nutty, Cinnamon, Vanilla, Cinnamon-Y, Vanilla-Y