There are many recipes for these cookies. This one I like well. Adjust the spices to your taste.
Speculaas (Dutch Spice Cookies)
2 cups brown sugar
1 ½ cups butter or margarine
3 ½–4+ cups flour
1 egg, beaten
1 tsp salt, scant
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon cinnamon
¾ teaspoon cloves
½ teaspoon nutmeg
½ teaspoon allspice
½ teaspoon ginger
Except for the flour, sift all dry ingredients together. Cream together the butter and sugar. Add the egg and mix. Add the sifted ingredients and mix, add enough of the flour to form a very stiff dough. Press well-chilled dough into cookie boards (flour mold very well, press dough in with fingers, level it off, then turn the board over and bang easily on the counter so the cookie drops out).* Place on cookie sheet and bake at 350º F. for 10 to 12 minutes. Store in sealed container to help retain crispness.
