German cookies with cinnamon

Delicious Cocoa and Spice Cookie Recipe

If you are looking for a simple and quick recipe to make flavorful cookies, you have come to the right place! These cocoa and spice cookies are perfect for a sweet snack or to be enjoyed alongside a cup of tea or coffee. I invite you to follow the steps in this recipe, enjoy their unique flavors, and discover how you can transform simple ingredients into something truly special.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Chilling time: 2 hours
Baking time: 10-12 minutes
Total: 2 hours and 32 minutes
Number of servings: Approximately 20 cookies

Necessary ingredients:
- 115 g butter (at room temperature for easy mixing)
- 150 g sugar (preferably brown sugar for a deeper taste)
- 1 egg (preferably at room temperature)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (or a packet of vanilla sugar)
- 225 g flour (wheat flour, but you can also try whole grain options)
- 1 tablespoon cocoa (unsweetened cocoa for an intense flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder (to give the cookies some fluffiness)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (or less, depending on your preferences)
- A pinch of ground cloves (will provide a warm and exotic flavor)

For decoration:
- Raisins (or other dried fruits, according to preferences)
- Powdered sugar (for a sweet finishing touch)

The story of the recipe
These cookies are inspired by the tradition of baking sweets that combine the aroma of spices with chocolate. Whether you make them for a gathering with friends, for a weekend dessert, or simply to treat your family, these cookies will surely bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones. Spices are not just an ingredient but a part of the culinary history of many cultures, bringing not only flavor but also a note of warmth and comfort.

Step by step for perfect cookies:

1. Preparing the ingredients
Make sure you have all the ingredients ready and at room temperature. This will facilitate the mixing of the butter with the sugar. If you want the cookies to have a more intense flavor, you can opt for brown sugar instead of white.

2. Mixing the butter and sugar
In a large bowl, add the softened butter and sugar. Use an electric mixer on medium speed to combine them until you achieve a creamy and fluffy mixture. This step is essential for the final texture of the cookies.

3. Adding the egg and vanilla
Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture. Continue mixing until the ingredients are completely homogenized. The vanilla will add a delightful aroma and a sweet note to the cookies.

4. Mixing the dry ingredients
In another bowl, combine the flour, cocoa, baking powder, cinnamon, and ground cloves. This combination of dry ingredients will give the cookies a rich flavor and an inviting appearance. If you prefer, you can adjust the amount of cinnamon according to your taste.

5. Forming the dough
Add the mixture of dry ingredients to the wet composition. Use a spatula to gently mix until you obtain a compact dough. It is important not to mix too much, so the cookies remain fluffy.

6. Chilling the dough
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for about 2 hours. This step is crucial as it helps to firm up the dough, making it easier to roll out and cut.

7. Preparing for baking
After the dough has been in the refrigerator, let it cool for a few minutes at room temperature. Roll it out on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of about 3-4 mm.

8. Cutting the cookies
Use desired shapes to cut out the cookies. You can opt for classic shapes or be creative with festive shapes. Place the cookies on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Add raisins or other dried fruits on each cookie and press them lightly to secure.

9. Baking
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes until they turn golden. It is important not to leave them in the oven too long, as they will harden while cooling.

10. Cooling and decorating
Once the cookies are done, let them cool in the tray for 2-3 minutes, then transfer them to a rack to cool completely. Once they are cool, dust them with powdered sugar for an attractive appearance.

Variations and useful tips:
- You can add almond flakes or chopped nuts to the dough for a crunchy texture.
- If you like more intense flavors, experiment with a pinch of sea salt added to the sugar mixture.
- The cookies keep very well in airtight containers, being careful not to let them get humid.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use other types of flour? Yes, you can experiment with whole wheat or gluten-free flour, but the final result may vary.
- How can I make them less sweet? Reduce the amount of sugar by 10-20% without compromising the texture.
- Can the cookies be frozen? Yes, you can freeze them before baking, and when you want to serve them, put them directly in the oven from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

These cocoa and spice cookies are not just a delicacy but also a pleasant way to bring your family and friends together. You can give them a personal touch through different decorations or ingredient combinations. Enjoy every bite and savor the culinary indulgence!