Speculaas (St. Nicholas Cookies)

== Description ==
This classic Dutch recipe is also known as St. Nicholas Cookies, or in northern Germany, Spekulatius. 
* Makes about 36 
== Ingredients ==
* 1 cup unsalted butter; softened
* 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
* 1 cup granulated sugar
* 1¼ cups brown sugar, firmly packed
* 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
* 3½ cups all-purpose flour
* 2 teaspoons baking soda
* 2 teaspoons cinnamon
* 1 teaspoon nutmeg
* 1 teaspoon ground cloves
* ½ teaspoon ginger
* ½ teaspoon ground anise seed
* ⅛ teaspoon salt
* ½ cup sliced almonds
== Directions ==
# In a large mixing bowl combine butter and vanilla with both sugars and beat until light and fluffy.
# Add beaten eggs and blend well.
# Sift the flour and all remaining dry ingredients together and beat into the butter mixture.
# Mix in the sliced almonds by hand, so as not to crush them.
# Divide the dough into four equal portions and chill overnight.
# Pre-heat oven to 350°F.
# Roll the cooled dough out into ¼- inch thick portions and cut with cookie cutters or shape with a special speculaas mold or other cookie mold or stamp.
# Bake for 10 – 15 minutes and store in an airtight container.
==Source==
* From the World Recipes Y-Group
* Source: Christmas Cookie Recipes from around the World
* Submitted by ckpenner77@hotmail.com
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Category:World Recipes
Category:Dutch Desserts
Category:Cookie Recipes
Category:Spice cookie Recipes
Category:Cut-out cookie Recipes
Category:Christmas Cookies
Category:Almond Recipes
Category:Brown sugar Recipes
Category:Cinnamon Recipes
Category:Nutmeg Recipes
Category:Clove Recipes
Category:Anise seed Recipes
Category:Ginger Recipes