Haselnuss Spekulatius Hazelnut Speculoos

A cozy home during the holidays often carries the enchanting scents of freshly baked treats, filling the air with warmth and cheer. One beloved German Christmas baking tradition perfect for infusing your home with holiday magic is the Haselnuss Spekulatius Hazelnut Speculoos. This delightful cookie combines the rich flavors of hazelnuts and aromatic spices to create a festive treat that embodies the spirit of the season. Let’s embark on a culinary journey to create these delectable and fragrant delights together.

Ingredients:
– 1 cup of hazelnuts, toasted and ground
– 2 cups of all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon of baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon of salt
– 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon of ground cloves
– 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger
– 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup of brown sugar
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a food processor, pulse the toasted hazelnuts until finely ground, being careful not to over-process to avoid turning them into hazelnut butter.
3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the ground hazelnuts, flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger until well combined. Set aside.
4. In a separate large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy.
5. Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture, and beat until smooth and well incorporated.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a cohesive dough forms. The dough should not be sticky but hold together easily.
7. Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and roll it out to about 1/4 inch (0.6 cm) thickness. Use a cookie cutter to cut out desired shapes, such as traditional rectangles or festive holiday shapes.
8. Place the cut-out cookies on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each cookie.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden.
10. Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
11. Once cooled, you can enjoy the Haselnuss Spekulatius Hazelnut Speculoos cookies with a cup of hot cocoa or spiced tea, or package them beautifully to share with loved ones as a thoughtful homemade gift.

Create a festive atmosphere in your home this holiday season with the enticing aroma of freshly baked Haselnuss Spekulatius Hazelnut Speculoos cookies. These delightful treats not only taste delicious but also add a touch of traditional German charm to your Christmas celebrations. Share the joy of baking and savoring these seasonal delights with family and friends for a memorable and heartwarming experience. Enjoy the magic of the holidays through the simple pleasure of homemade treats and the bond they create among loved ones.