We started making these a few years ago and oh boy!  Are they a far cry from the store-boughts!

  • 4 1/2 cups flour
  • 4 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 2 tsp ground cardamom
  • 1 tsp ground cloves
  • 1 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 cup butter
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 4 egg yolks
  • 1 cup finely chopped almonds
  • 1 cup finely chopped candied orange peel
  • 2 tbsp lemon zest
  • 3/4 cup dark molasses
  • 3/4 cup brandy

Powdered sugar for dusting

Mix the flour, baking powder and soda, and spices and set aside. In a separate bowl, beat the sugars into the butter. Add the egg yolks and mix. Add the almonds, orange peel, lemon zest and mix some more. Stir one third of the flour mixture into the butter mixture. Add the molasses and brandy. Then add the the rest of the flour mixture. When fully blended, cover and refrigerate overnight.

The following day… heat the oven to 350 degrees. Roll spoonfuls of dough nto small balls and place them on a lightly greased cookie sheet about 2″ apart.  (I use parchment paper – it’s worth it!!!)

Bake for about 12 – 14 minutes.  Roll in powdered sugar while still warm.  Roll once again when fully cooled, before serving.