Homemade Dutch Taai-Taai Cookies

Ingredients

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (200g) brown sugar 1 cup (200g) brown sugar
• 1/2 cup (120ml) honey 1/2 cup (120ml) honey
• 1/4 cup (60ml) water 1/4 cup (60ml) water
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground anise 1 teaspoon ground anise
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• Pinch of salt Pinch of salt

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 120 kcal / 502 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 0.3g, 0.1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 29g, 18g
• Protein: 1.5g
• Fiber: 0.6g
• Salt: 0.02g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, anise, ginger, baking soda, and salt.
2. 2.
   In a small saucepan, heat the honey and water over low heat until the honey has melted. Stir well to combine.
3. 3.
   Pour the honey mixture into the dry ingredients and mix until a sticky dough forms.
4. 4.
   Cover the dough with plastic wrap and let it rest at room temperature for at least 2 hours or overnight.
5. 5.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
6. 6.
   On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to a thickness of about 1/4 inch.
7. 7.
   Use cookie cutters to cut out desired shapes and transfer them to the prepared baking sheet.
8. 8.
   Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
9. 9.
   Allow the cookies to cool completely before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Honey — Use a good quality honey for the best flavor in your Taai-Taai cookies. If the honey is too thick, you can warm it slightly to make it easier to mix.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier flavor, you can increase the amount of ground ginger or anise in the recipe.
• If you prefer a softer texture, you can increase the resting time of the dough to enhance the chewiness of the cookies.
• Taai-Taai cookies are traditionally enjoyed during the festive season of Sinterklaas, but they can be enjoyed year-round as a delicious treat.

Serving advice

Serve the Taai-Taai cookies with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful Dutch experience. They are perfect for sharing with family and friends during festive gatherings or as a sweet indulgence for yourself.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Taai-Taai cookies on a platter or in a decorative tin for a charming presentation. Dust them with powdered sugar for an extra touch of elegance.