Spiced Cookie Treats

Name: Spiced Cookie Treats
Prep time: 1 min
Cook time: 30 min
Yield: 20 - 25 cookies
Ingredients: 1/2 cup La Española Classic Olive Oil; 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 2 tbsp honey; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; 1 tsp ground ginger; 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg; 1/4 tsp ground cloves

Dessert

Guide to Making Spiced Cookies

Here’s a homemade cookie recipe that stands out from the pack. Our Spiced Cookies are packed with flavor and aroma, making the perfect treat for cookie lovers.

20 - 25 cookies

Plus 1 hour resting time

Ingredients

1/2 cup La Española Classic Olive Oil
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
2 tbsp honey
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp ground ginger
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp ground cloves

preparation

1.

In a large mixing bowl, beat the La Española Classic Olive Oil and sugar together for 2–3 minutes until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Add the egg and honey, and continue beating for an additional 5 minutes until fully incorporated.
2.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, one spoonful at a time, mixing until the dough comes together.
3.

Form the dough into a ball, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the dough to firm up.
4.

Once chilled, place the dough between two sheets of parchment paper and roll it out to a thickness of 1/8 inch. Use your favorite cookie cutters to shape the dough into cookies.
5.

Transfer the cutouts to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Chill the cookies in the refrigerator for an additional 30 minutes to help them hold their shape during baking.
6.

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Bake the cookies in batches for 10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before storing.
7.

Place the cooled cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh for up to 1 week.

A Warm and Aromatic Treat

Spiced cookies are the epitome of cozy baking, blending aromatic spices like cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves to create a comforting treat perfect for the holiday season or any time you crave a warm, spiced flavor. These cookies are not only delicious but also versatile, ideal for pairing with coffee, tea, or milk.

Olive Oil in Baking

Health Benefits of Olive Oil

Unlike butter, La Española Classic Olive Oil provides a healthier alternative to baking. It’s packed with heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and antioxidants, making these cookies a slightly lighter indulgence.

Enhancing Texture and Flavor

Olive oil gives these cookies a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture while subtly enhancing the warm, spicy notes of the recipe. Its mild fruitiness complements the spices without overpowering them.

Tips for Perfect Spiced Cookies

Balancing the Spices

The balance of spices is key to achieving the signature flavor of these cookies. Stick to the listed quantities, but feel free to adjust slightly based on your preference. For a stronger ginger flavor, add an extra pinch, or for extra warmth, increase the cinnamon slightly.

Rolling and Cutting the Dough

Chill the Dough: Resting the dough in the refrigerator helps it firm up, making it easier to roll out and cut into shapes.
Even Thickness: Roll the dough evenly to ensure all cookies bake at the same rate. Use rolling pin spacers if needed.

Preventing Spreading

Chilling the cutout cookies before baking helps them hold their shape and prevents spreading in the oven.

Customizing Your Spiced Cookies

Add Decorations

Icing: Pipe royal icing onto the cooled cookies for a festive look.
Sprinkles: Add holiday-themed sprinkles before baking for a decorative touch.

Mix-Ins

Nuts: Fold in chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch.
Dried Fruit: Raisins or dried cranberries add a chewy texture that pairs beautifully with the spices.

Storing and Freezing

Storing

Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. Add a slice of bread to the container to help maintain the cookies’ softness.

Freezing

Unbaked Dough: Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before rolling and baking.
Baked Cookies: Freeze baked cookies in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Pairing Spiced Cookies

Beverages

Coffee: A warm cappuccino or latte pairs beautifully with the spiced flavors.
Tea: Chai tea or spiced herbal tea complements the cookies’ aromatic flavor profile.
Milk: And then there’s always a nice cool glass of milk!

Serving with Other Desserts

Pair these cookies with pumpkin pie or apple crumble for a dessert platter that celebrates the season’s best flavors. They also work great when paired with your favorite flavor of ice cream.

Popular Snacks in Minutes

If you’re the kind of person who loves nothing better than baking up a storm in the evenings, here are two snack recipes you simply must try. Our recipe for Spanish-Style Churros is as delicious as it is easy to make. Ready in 30 minutes, they work wonderfully as a midday snack or sweet post-meal treat.

Alternatively, if you’re looking for a snack loaded with nutrients, try our Zucchini Bread recipe. Made with La Española Extra Virgin Olive Oil it’s a wholesome snack you can enjoy with breakfast, after lunch, or as an on-the-go snack.

For more recipe ideas and baking tips, check out our blog.