Dutch Spiced Iron Cookie

Ingredients

• 200g (1 ¾ cups) all-purpose flour 200g (1 ¾ cups) all-purpose flour
• 150g (¾ cup) granulated sugar 150g (¾ cup) granulated sugar
• 150g (⅔ cup) unsalted butter, softened 150g (⅔ cup) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 large egg 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• Zest of 1 orange Zest of 1 orange
• Pinch of salt Pinch of salt

Nutrition

• Calories: 120 kcal / 502 KJ
• Fat: 7g (4g saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 14g (8g sugars)
• Protein: 1g
• Fiber: 0.5g
• Salt: 0.1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
2. 2.
   Add the egg and mix until well combined.
3. 3.
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, orange zest, and salt.
4. 4.
   Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until a dough forms.
5. 5.
   Shape the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
6. 6.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
7. 7.
   Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of about ½ cm (¼ inch).
8. 8.
   Use a cookie cutter or a traditional Ijzerkoekje iron mold to cut out the cookies.
9. 9.
   Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown around the edges.
10. 10.
    Allow the cookies to cool on a wire rack before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Orange zest — Make sure to use organic oranges and wash them thoroughly before zesting to avoid any pesticide residue. Use a fine grater or a zester to obtain the zest, being careful not to include the bitter white pith.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra touch of sweetness, sprinkle the cookies with a dusting of powdered sugar before serving.
• If you don't have an Ijzerkoekje iron mold, you can use a cookie cutter in a traditional Dutch design to create unique shapes.
• To enhance the spiced flavor, you can add a pinch of cardamom or ginger to the dough.
• These cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week, but they are best enjoyed fresh.

Serving advice

Serve these Spiced Iron Cookies alongside a cup of hot tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat. They also make a lovely addition to a dessert platter or as a homemade gift.

Presentation advice

Arrange the cookies on a decorative platter or a traditional Dutch Delftware plate to showcase their beautiful shape and golden color. Dust them with powdered sugar for an elegant touch.