Club: Baked- Speculaas

Speculaas are a variety of biscuit originated in the Netherlands, Belgium and Northern France.  They are thin and crunchy and typically have an image or design stamped in the center of them.  The dough ingredients include a variety of spices including ginger, nutmeg, cloves and cinnamon.  One teaspoon of grated orange zest is also required, and I doubled the amount which I think allowed for an extra hint of orange flavor to come through with each bite.  Unfortunately for me, I did not have the appropriate stamping tool for these cookies but still wanted to make them fun, so I used a Hello Kitty cookie cutter and drew the face on before baking instead.  I also had a sort of cutter with a pineapple on it, so I tried to imprint the shape into the dough.  The design didn't come out as clear as I wanted, but it was worth a shot!  I love anything Hello Kitty so all of the Hello Kitty faced cookies made me happy at least!  I enjoyed the gingerbread like taste of these cookies and also the slight crunch.  I think these would be the perfect accompaniment to tea or coffee too!  The spices in the cookie made me wish I could do a rewind and make it holiday time again, so next year I think I will be making these for Christmas!  This week for Club: Baked, we joined forces with another group, Baked Sunday Mornings so please be sure to check out their blog page as they are hosting the recipe!  Also be sure to check out all of the members from both groups to see their take on this one! Enjoy!!!