Ingredients
Method
Preparing the Dough
- In a small saucepan, gently warm the honey until it becomes liquid and fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the warm honey until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and all the spices (cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, ginger, cardamom, allspice).
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Fold in the lemon zest, orange zest, candied orange peel, and ground almonds.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight. This helps the flavors meld and makes the dough easier to work with.
Baking
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll the chilled dough to about 8mm (1/3 inch) thickness.
- Cut into traditional shapes using cookie cutters – hearts, stars, or rectangles are most common.
- Place cookies on prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each one.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden but the centers still feel slightly soft.
- Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Glazing
- While cookies are cooling, prepare the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, milk (or lemon juice), and vanilla until smooth.
- Once cookies are completely cool, brush or drizzle with glaze.
- Allow glaze to set for at least 30 minutes before serving or storing.
