Gewurz Knusperchen Spice Christmas Cookies Recipes

RON'S HOLIDAY SPICE COOKIES

Steps:

• Combine the butter and brown sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment. Beat on medium speed until light and fluffy, 4 to 5 minutes.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, ginger, baking soda, cloves, cardamom and salt to combine.
• Add the molasses, egg, and vanilla to the creamed butter mixture and beat on low/medium speed until smooth and combined.
• On low speed, add the flour mixture in few additions. The dough will be soft and a bit sticky.
• Refrigerate in a covered bowl for a minimum of two hours or overnight.
• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line three baking sheets with parchment paper or use nonstick baking sheets.
• Use an ice-cream scooper or a slightly heaping tablespoon to portion the dough. Roll each cookie into a 1-inch ball between your hands, then roll lightly in the white granulated sugar and place on the prepared baking sheets. Make sure to leave enough space between the balls, as they'll flatten out to twice their size.
• Bake for 8 to 10 minutes. The dough balls would flatten and develop a crinkly crust, but will still be flexible. Gently remove to rack to cool completely. Store in an airtight container up to 3 days.

LEBKUCHEN SPICE MIX (LEBKUCHENGEWURZ)

Steps:

• Combine all the ingredients in a bowl and mix well to combine. Store in a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid. Kept in a dark, cool place, the mix will stay fresh for 1 year.

CHRISTMAS SPICE COOKIES

Steps:

• Cream sugar and butter.
• Add syrup and egg.
• Mix well.
• Sift dry ingredients and add.
• (Optional) I grind the cinnamon sticks and the cloves.
• Mix well.
• Roll into "log" and chill.
• Thinly slice roll and place discs on ungreased cookie sheet and bake in 350 degree oven for about ten minutes.
• (I put the roll back in the refrigerator after filling my cookie sheets).

CHRISTMAS SPICE COOKIES

Steps:

• Beat the sugar, molasses, butter or margarine, and oil together. Add 2 cups of the flour and the baking soda, cloves, ginger, and cinnamon. Mix in the remaining flour 1/2 cup at a time until the dough is stiff. Flatten into disks and cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
• On a lightly floured surface roll the dough out to 1/4 inch thick and use cookie cutters to cut into desired shapes. Place cookies on a baking sheet and bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 8 minutes.

SPICED CHRISTMAS COOKIES

Steps:

• In a very large bowl, beat the molasses, butter, sour cream and lemon juice until well blended. Combine the flour, brown sugar, spices, baking soda, lemon zest and salt; gradually add to butter mixture and mix well. Stir in the walnuts, raisins and candied peels. Cover and refrigerate until easy to handle, about 30 minutes., Divide dough into 4 portions. On a lightly floured surface, roll out each portion to 1/4-in. thickness. Cut with a floured 2-1/4-in. round cookie cutter. Place 1 in. apart on ungreased baking sheets. Bake at 350° until bottoms are lightly browned, 10-12 minutes. Remove to wire racks to cool completely., Combine frosting ingredients until smooth. Frost cookies; decorate with cherries. Store in an airtight container.

CHRISTMAS SPRITZ COOKIES

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375°F.
• Place flour and salt in medium bowl; stir to combine.
• Beat powdered sugar and butter in large bowl until light and fluffy.
• Beat in egg, almond extract and vanilla.
• Gradually add flour mixture--mix until well blended.
• Divide dough in half.
• If desired, tint half of dough with green food coloring.
• Fit cookie press with desired plate (or change plates for different shapes after first batch).
• Fill press with dough; press dough 1 inch apart onto ungreased cookie sheets.
• Decorate cookies with cherries and assorted candies, if desired.
• Bake 10-12 minutes or until just set.
• Remove cookies to wire racks; cool completely.
• Prepare Icing, if desired.
• Pipe or drizzle on cooled cookies.
• Decorate with cherries and assorted candies, if desired.
• Store tightly covered at room temperature or freeze up to 3 months.
• --Icing--.
• Place all ingredients in medium bowl; stir until thick, but spreadable. (If icing is too thick, stir in 1 teaspoon additional milk).