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Spekulatius Kugeln

Spekulatius Kugeln
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Spekulatius Kugeln are small, spiced cookie balls bursting with warm festive spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. With a crisp texture and a melt-in-your-mouth finish, they make a perfect quick and easy treat for holiday gatherings or cozy moments. This recipe combines simple ingredients with a traditional spice blend to create perfectly crunchy, flavorful Kugeln in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free option)
  • 1 tablespoon spekulatius spice mix (cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, cardamom, ginger)
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 cup sugar

Wet Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened (or coconut oil for vegan)
  • 1 large egg (or flaxseed egg for vegan)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Add-ins & Toppings

  • 1/2 cup chopped almonds or hazelnuts (optional)
  • Powdered sugar for dusting
  • Melted dark or white chocolate for dipping
  • Chopped nuts or coarse sugar for topping before baking

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Gather and measure all ingredients. Ensure butter and egg are at room temperature to blend smoothly for optimal dough texture.
  2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, spekulatius spice mix, baking powder, and sugar to evenly distribute the spices.
  3. Cream the Butter and Egg: In a separate bowl, beat the softened butter with the egg and vanilla extract until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps achieve the tender yet crunchy texture.
  4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixes: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, stirring gently until a smooth dough forms. Fold in nuts if using.
  5. Shape and Chill the Dough: Roll small portions of dough into walnut-sized balls (Kugeln). Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and chill for 10-15 minutes to help them hold their shape during baking.
  6. Bake to Perfection: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the Kugeln for 12-15 minutes or until lightly golden and fragrant. Cool completely on a wire rack for ideal crunch.

Notes

  • Use cold butter to maintain dough structure and prevent spreading while baking.
  • Do not overmix; combine ingredients just until incorporated for a light and crispy texture.
  • Use a small cookie scoop or spoon to ensure even sizing for uniform baking.
  • Chilling the dough before baking intensifies flavors and helps Kugeln hold their shape.
  • Adjust the spekulatius spice quantities to suit your flavor preference.
  • For a nut-free version, omit nuts and consider adding citrus zest or extra spices for brightness.
  • To make vegan, substitute butter with coconut oil and egg with flaxseed or chia seed egg.
  • For gluten-free, swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

Nutrition

Keywords: Spekulatius Kugeln, spiced cookies, holiday treats, German cookies, gluten-free cookies, vegan spekulatius, Christmas cookies, crunchy cookie balls

Find it online: https://withnora.com/spekulatius-kugeln/