Moravian Spice Cookies

Ingredients

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
• 1 large egg 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon freshly grated orange zest 1 teaspoon freshly grated orange zest

Nutrition

• Calories: 70 kcal / 293 KJ
• Fat: 3g (Saturated Fat: 2g)
• Carbohydrates: 10g (Sugar: 5g)
• Protein: 1g
• Fiber: 0g
• Salt: 0.05g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
2. 2.
   In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. 3.
   Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and orange zest until well combined.
4. 4.
   Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until the dough comes together.
5. 5.
   Divide the dough into two equal portions and shape each portion into a disk. Wrap them in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
6. 6.
   Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
7. 7.
   On a lightly floured surface, roll out one portion of the dough until it's paper-thin, about 1/16 inch thick.
8. 8.
   Use cookie cutters to cut out desired shapes and transfer them to the prepared baking sheets.
9. 9.
   Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
10. 10.
    Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
11. 11.
    Repeat the rolling, cutting, and baking process with the remaining dough portion.
12. 12.
    Once cooled, store the Moravian Spice Cookies in an airtight container to maintain their crispness.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Orange zest — Make sure to use freshly grated orange zest for the best flavor. Avoid grating the white pith, as it can add bitterness to the cookies.

Tips & Tricks

• To achieve the thin and crispy texture, roll out the dough as thin as possible without tearing it.
• If the dough becomes too soft while rolling, refrigerate it for a few minutes to firm it up.
• For a spicier kick, increase the amount of ginger or cinnamon according to your preference.
• Dust your cookie cutters with flour to prevent sticking.
• Store the cookies in an airtight container with a slice of bread to maintain their crispness.

Serving advice

Serve Moravian Spice Cookies alongside a warm cup of spiced tea or hot cocoa for a cozy and comforting treat. They are perfect for holiday gatherings, afternoon tea, or as a homemade gift.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Moravian Spice Cookies on a festive platter or in a decorative tin. Dust them with powdered sugar for an elegant touch, or drizzle them with a simple glaze made with powdered sugar and orange juice for added sweetness and visual appeal.