Cut-Out Spiced Sugar Cookies
- 300 g flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 2 pinches salt
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- ½ tsp ground cloves
- ½ tsp cardamom
- 230 g butter (softened)
- 220 g sugar
- 2 tbsp milk or buttermilk
- 4 tsp vanilla extract
- (Optional: 2 tsp molasses or golden syrup for deeper flavor)
Method
1. Cream butter and sugar until pale and fluffy.
2. Mix in milk, vanilla, and (if using) molasses.
3. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and spices.
4. Add dry to wet ingredients and mix until a firm, smooth dough forms.
5. Shape into a disk, wrap, and chill 30–60 minutes (this step is key — it makes the dough easier to roll and helps the cookies hold their shape).
6. Preheat oven to 180°C.
7. Roll dough on a lightly floured surface to about 5 mm thick.
8. Cut out shapes and transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet.
9. Bake 10–12 minutes, until edges are just starting to turn golden.
10. Cool completely before decorating or storing.
