๐ช Allspice Cookies ๐ช
Allspice cookies are delicious treats made with a warm and aromatic spice called allspice. Here’s everything you need to know about them:
๐ History:
Allspice cookies have a long history, dating back to ancient times when allspice berries were discovered in the Caribbean. The spice itself comes from the dried berries of the Pimenta dioica tree, native to Central and South America. Allspice is so named because it has flavors reminiscent of cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg combined, hence the “allspice” name. Over the years, people have incorporated allspice into various recipes, including these delightful cookies.
๐ง Components:
For allspice cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup of all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon of allspice powder ๐
- 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt ๐ง
- 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, softened ๐ง
- 1/2 cup of granulated sugar
- 1 egg ๐ฅ
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- Optional: 1/2 cup of chopped nuts or raisins ๐ฅ๐
๐ฉโ๐ณ Preparation Steps:
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Preheat your oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC) ๐ก๏ธ and line a baking sheet with parchment paper ๐.
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In a bowl, whisk together the flour, allspice powder, baking powder, and salt. Set this dry mixture aside ๐.
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In another bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until it becomes light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes of mixing ๐ฅ.
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Beat in the egg and vanilla extract into the butter-sugar mixture until well combined ๐ฅ๐ผ.
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Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms. If desired, fold in chopped nuts or raisins at this stage ๐ฅ๐.
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Roll the dough into small balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each cookie ๐ช.
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Flatten each cookie slightly with the back of a fork or your hand.
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Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown ๐.
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Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on a wire rack ๐ง.
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Once cooled, your allspice cookies are ready to enjoy! ๐
โฐ Time Needed:
The total time to prepare and bake allspice cookies typically ranges from 30 to 45 minutes, depending on your baking experience and oven performance.
Now you can savor these delightful allspice cookies with their warm and aromatic flavors! Enjoy! ๐ช๐๐ฟ
Certainly! Here are the nutrition facts and some health information for allspice cookies (per serving, assuming a batch makes about 24 cookies):
๐ Nutrition Facts (Approximate Values):
- Calories: 100-120 kcal
- Total Fat: 6-8 grams
- Saturated Fat: 3-4 grams
- Cholesterol: 20-25 mg
- Sodium: 50-100 mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 10-12 grams
- Dietary Fiber: 0-1 gram
- Sugars: 5-7 grams
- Protein: 1-2 grams
๐ Health Information:
- Allspice cookies are a sweet treat, so they are relatively high in calories and sugar. Enjoy them in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
- They contain some saturated fat due to the butter, so it’s essential to consume them in moderation if you’re watching your saturated fat intake.
- Allspice itself may have potential health benefits, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, although the amount used in cookies is generally small.
- The addition of nuts or raisins can add some nutritional value, such as healthy fats and fiber, but also some extra calories.
- Be mindful of portion sizes to avoid overindulging and to manage your calorie intake.
Remember that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients and recipe variations you use. It’s always a good idea to consult with a nutritionist or healthcare professional for personalized dietary advice. Enjoy your allspice cookies in moderation as an occasional treat! ๐ช๐ฅ๐ฉโโ๏ธ
