Discover the Secret to Delicious Spiced Prune Cookies
As a baker, I am constantly experimenting with different flavors and ingredients to create unique and delectable treats. Recently, I stumbled upon a recipe that I couldn’t wait to share with all of you – Spiced Prune Cookies.
Now, I know what you may be thinking – prunes in cookies? But please hear me out. These little dried plums may not be the most glamorous ingredient, but when combined with warm spices like clove, cinnamon, and nutmeg, they transform into something truly special.
These spiced prune cookies are unlike any other cookie you’ve tried before. They’re soft, chewy, and bursting with flavors that will make your taste buds dance. And the addition of crunchy walnuts only adds to their deliciousness.
But trust me when I say that these cookies are more than just a unique flavor combination. They’re a comfort food, perfect for reminding you of your grandmother’s baking or your childhood memories of freshly baked desserts.
So if you’re ready to step out of your comfort zone and try something new, let me guide you through this spiced prune cookie recipe. It might just become your new favorite treat!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re searching for a cookie recipe that’s bursting with flavor and will delight your taste buds, look no further than these spiced prune cookies. Made with an irresistible combination of prunes, walnuts, cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg, this fragrantly spiced cookie is the perfect treat to indulge in on a lazy afternoon or to share with friends and family at gatherings.
One reason why these cookies are so delightful is their unique texture. The pitted prunes add a chewy and moist quality to the dough that’s sure to have you coming back for more. And then there are the walnuts, which lend a slightly crunchy bite to all that sweetness. Together with the cozy spices, every bite of these buttery cookies serves up an explosion of flavor.
But it’s not just their delectable taste that makes these spiced prune cookies such a hit. They’re also perfect for any occasion, from holiday gift-giving to casual backyard barbecues. And they’re incredibly easy to make! With just a handful of easy-to-find ingredients and simple preparation steps, you’ll have your own batch of these scrumptious treats ready in no time.
So go ahead and give this recipe a try – you won’t be disappointed by its sumptuous flavor, delightful crunchiness, and heartiness. And the best part? You can enjoy them all year round!
Ingredient List
Ingredients for the Spiced Prune Cookies Recipe
Here are the ingredients necessary to make these spiced prune cookies. Double check that you have all of them before you begin!
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon of baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground cloves
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) of unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup of packed brown sugar
- 2 large egg yolks
- 3 tablespoons of milk
Miscellaneous Ingredients:
- 1 and 1/4 cups of finely chopped, pitted prunes
- 1/2 cup of granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup of boiling water
The Recipe How-To
Now it’s time to dive into the heart of this recipe- How to make the perfect Spiced Prune Cookies. As an assistant to several bakers, I have learned that the key to a good cookie dough is all in the mixing. I will explain each step in detail, so you can follow along easily.
Ingredients:
Before we start making the dough, let’s take a quick look at the ingredients list one more time, so you make sure you have everything on hand:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 large egg yolks
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon cloves
- 3 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 2 cups pitted prunes, chopped and soaked in water for about an hour
The Dough:
Now that we’ve checked our ingredients, let’s begin with making the dough!
Step One: Creaming Butter and Sugar
We will begin by creaming together butter and brown sugar until they are light and fluffy. This takes around two minutes with an electric mixer but don’t worry if your butter seems slightly grainy at this point.
Step Two: Egg mixture
Next, add in the egg yolks and beat well for another minute or two until fully combined. This will give your cookies a rich flavor.
Step Three: Adding Flour mixture
Sift together flour, baking soda, salt, nutmeg, cinnamon and cloves in a separate bowl. Slowly add them to the wet mixture while mixing to combine thoroughly. Remember not to overmix—stop as soon as everything is completely blended.
Step Four: Mix in milk and soaked prune
Add milk and chopped prunes to the bowl and mix until everything is evenly distributed. The resultant dough should be firm yet moist.
Step Five: Chill time
Finally, form dough into uniform balls (about two tablespoons each), cover them tightly with plastic wrap, and chill them for at least an hour. This helps keep your cookies soft and prevents excessive spreading when baking.
Baking Time:
When you’re ready to bake the cookies preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone mat.
Arrange your chilled dough balls on the baking sheet leaving about two inches between them. Bake them for about 12 minutes or until lightly golden brown.
Once done remove from oven and transfer onto a wire mesh to cool down.
Enjoy!
Let your finished Spiced Prune Cookies cool down for ten minutes before digging in. Serve with tea or coffee or store it in an air-tight container at room temperature for up to four days. Fabulous!
Substitutions and Variations
Variations are the spice of life, and baking is no exception! While this recipe for spiced prune cookies is delicious as-is, there are a few substitutions and variations you can try to mix things up:
– Swap out the walnuts for hazelnuts or almonds for a different nutty flavor.
– Use dried figs instead of prunes for a unique twist on the recipe.
– Try adding a teaspoon of chai masala spice mix to the dry ingredients for an Indian-inspired flavor.
– Use buttermilk instead of regular milk for an extra-tender cookie.
– Instead of making cookies, try turning this recipe into prune bars by pressing the dough into a square pan and spreading the prune filling on top before baking. Slice into bars once cooled.
– For a chocolatey twist, add in some mini chocolate chips to the cookie dough.
– Make prune rugelach by rolling out the cookie dough into rounds, spreading them with prune jam, and slicing like a pizza before baking.
Whether you make these substitutions or come up with your own creative ideas, this spiced prune cookie recipe is sure to be a hit.
Serving and Pairing
Once the Spiced Prune Cookies are out of the oven and cooled down to room temperature, it’s time to enjoy them! These cookies have a unique flavor that goes well with a nice hot cup of tea or coffee. The perfect pairing is to serve these Spiced Prune Cookies with your favorite hot beverage, allowing the rich flavors to blend together perfectly.
You can also serve these cookies as an after dinner treat or as part of a festive dessert platter. They pair magically with some creamy vanilla ice cream, complementing each other’s taste and texture.
If you are planning to serve these cookies at a party or gathering, consider pairing it with some walnuts, raisins or other dried fruits to balance out the sweetness. This will create a delicious mixture of flavors that will make your guests want more!
Overall, these Spiced Prune Cookies are very versatile and can be enjoyed on their own or paired with various desserts and beverages. Remember to experiment with different combinations until you find the perfect one for you!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Once the spiced prune cookies are prepared, they can be stored for later use or reheated, if necessary. To make sure the cookies stay fresh for a longer time, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last up to five days if properly stored.
If you want to make the cookie ahead of time, you can prepare the dough and wrap it tightly with plastic wrap before refrigerating it for up to two days. When ready to bake, let the dough return to room temperature for thirty minutes and proceed with the recipe.
If you want to freeze the spiced prune cookies, store the baked cookies in an airtight container or freezer bag, separated by parchment paper for up to three months. When needed, let them come back to room temperature for a few hours before serving.
To reheat the spiced prune cookies, preheat your oven or toaster oven to about 300°F (150°C). Place the cookies on a baking sheet and heat them for about five minutes until they become crispy again.
Remember not to overheat them if you want them to maintain their original texture and taste.
Tips for Perfect Results
When it comes to baking Spiced Prune Cookies, there are a few tips that can help you ensure a perfect outcome every time. Here are my top tips for baking these scrumptious cookies:
1. Toast the Walnuts:
Toasting the walnuts before using them in the recipe results in a deeper flavor profile and makes them more aromatic. Spread them on a baking sheet and bake in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes or until lightly golden brown.
2. Soak and Drain the Prunes:
Soaking the prunes in hot water for about 15 minutes will make them soft and plump, which ensures that they mix well into the dough. After soaking, drain prunes well and chop finely.
3. Sift the Dry Ingredients:
Sifting flour, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg together before adding it to the dough is essential for properly mixing these ingredients and avoiding lumps.
4. Use Softened Butter:
Make sure to use softened butter because this helps ensure a uniform texture for the cookie dough rather than ending up with chunks of unmixed butter.
5. Chill Your Dough:
This dough needs to be chilled before baking to prevent spreading in the oven while baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it back inside your refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before shaping it into cookies.
6. Measure Your Ingredients Precisely:
Use measuring cups and spoons to ensure you add exact measurements of each component listed in the ingredient list.
These simple tips will help you create perfectly spiced prune cookies every time!
FAQ
As you prepare to make these delicious spiced prune cookies, you may have some questions or concerns about the recipe. Not to worry, in this section, I will address some common FAQs and provide you with helpful answers and tips. Read on to ensure that you can bake these cookies to perfection!
Is a small hard highly spiced cookie made traditionally for the Christmas holidays?
Pfeffernüsse, a type of spiced cookies, are a well-loved delicacy during the holiday season, particularly among Germans and ethnic Mennonites based in North America. These cookies are also made in Denmark and The Netherlands, where they are called Pfeffernüsse or pepernoten respectively.
What is the name of the traditional spiced cookie that is baked on St Nikolaus Tag * Correct German spelling counts *?
Speculaas, a traditional spiced cookie, is enjoyed in countries that celebrate St. Nicholas’ Day, like Germany, the Netherlands, Poland, and Ukraine. Unlike gingerbread, speculaas has a distinct flavor that doesn’t include molasses. This cookie is a delicious treat that people of all ages can enjoy.
What is the secret to bakery cookies?
When preparing your dough or batter, it’s important not to underestimate the importance of salt. A pinch of this savory ingredient can make all the difference in bringing out the flavors of your sweet treats. In fact, don’t hesitate to sprinkle some extra flaky salt on the top of your finished dessert for added texture and a touch of sophistication.
The key to a smooth and creamy mixture is making sure to use room temperature butter. Trust me, this will save you time and hassle when it comes to creaming it with the sugar. Take your time with this step, as it’s important to beat the butter and sugar mixture for an extended period until it becomes light and fluffy.
For the best texture and flavor, avoid using chocolate chips in your recipe. Instead, opt for chopped chocolate. This will give your baked goods a more rustic and homemade feel, as well as deliver pockets of melty goodness throughout the dessert.
Which ingredient makes cookies moist and tender?
If you want to make your cookies extra delicious, here’s a simple tip – use double the amount of egg yolks in your recipe. Instead of using a whole egg with its white and yolk, try using just the yolk of two eggs and skip the whites. The white portion when heated, has a tendency to become dry and brittle, unlike the yolk which is packed with fats and oils that lend moisture and chewiness to your cookies. Taking this route results to a rich and indulgent batch of cookies that your family and loved ones will surely enjoy.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, these spiced prune cookies are the perfect treat for any occasion. With their buttery texture and flavorful blend of spices, you won’t be able to resist having “just one more.” Plus, the addition of walnuts and prunes provides a satisfying crunch and natural sweetness.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or new to the kitchen, this recipe is easy to follow and guarantees delicious results. And with so many possible substitutions and variations, you can customize the cookies to your liking.
So why not give these spiced prune cookies a try? They’re the best way to satisfy your sweet tooth while also enjoying some added nutritional benefits from the prunes and walnuts. Trust me, once you take a bite, you won’t regret it!
Spiced Prune Cookies Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter
- 2 cups brown sugar, packed
- 2 eggs
- 3 1/2 cups flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon clove
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 cups chopped prunes
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350F.
- Cream sugar, eggs and butter.
- Mix flour, soda, salt and spices.
- Add to creamed mixture.
- Add milk, prunes and nuts.
- Chill one hour.
- Drop by teaspoonful on cookie sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes.
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Steven is a chef by heritage, so it’s no wonder why baking is such a big part of who he is. To share his passion for all things sweet, he created cookiesncrepes.com. It’s the perfect platform to indulge in delicious treats, all with a sprinkle of his signature flare.