Crunchy Christmas Spiced Biscuits

Crunchy Christmas Spiced Biscuits are the perfect holiday treat, combining the warmth of festive spices with a satisfying crunch. These beautifully spiced cookies are easy to make, delightful to decorate, and a wonderful addition to any Christmas celebration. Whether you enjoy them with a cup of tea, coffee, or hot cocoa, these biscuits are sure to spread holiday cheer.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Festive and flavorful: Packed with cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves for that classic Christmas taste.
• Perfectly crunchy: A satisfying texture that holds up well for dipping or gifting.
• Decorative and fun: Ideal for festive shapes and decorations.
• Great for gifting: These biscuits make beautiful edible presents.
• Family-friendly: A fun baking activity to share with loved ones.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Unsalted butter, softened
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Golden syrup or honey
• Egg yolk
• All-purpose flour
• Baking soda
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground ginger
• Ground nutmeg
• Ground cloves
• Pinch of salt
• Optional decorations: royal icing, sprinkles, or powdered sugar for dusting

Directions

this recipe

1. Prepare the dough:
   • In a large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
   • Beat in the golden syrup and egg yolk until fully incorporated.
   • In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
2. Chill the dough:
   • Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to make it easier to roll out.
3. Roll and cut the biscuits:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
   • Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness.
   • Use festive cookie cutters to cut out shapes and transfer them to the prepared baking sheets.
4. Bake the biscuits:
   • Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
   • Let the biscuits cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
5. Decorate and serve:
   • Once cooled, decorate the biscuits with royal icing, sprinkles, or a dusting of powdered sugar.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Approximately 24 biscuits, depending on the size of the cutters
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Chilling Time: 1 hour
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 32 minutes

Variations

• Chocolate version: Add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the dry ingredients for a spiced chocolate twist.
• Nutty addition: Mix in finely chopped almonds, hazelnuts, or pecans for extra texture.
• Citrus flair: Add orange or lemon zest for a bright, zesty flavor.
• Gluten-free: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make these biscuits suitable for dietary restrictions.
• Vegan option: Replace the butter with plant-based margarine and the egg yolk with a flaxseed egg.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
• Freezing: Freeze the unbaked dough or fully baked biscuits in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw before baking or decorating.
• Reheating: These biscuits are best enjoyed at room temperature and do not require reheating.

FAQs

1. Can I use molasses instead of golden syrup?

Yes, molasses can be used for a deeper, richer flavor.

2. What’s the best way to roll out the dough evenly?

Use rolling pin guides or stack two thin rulers on either side of the dough for uniform thickness.

3. How do I prevent the dough from sticking?

Chill the dough well and dust your work surface and rolling pin with flour.

4. Can I make the dough in advance?

Yes, the dough can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

5. How do I ensure the biscuits stay crunchy?

Cool them completely before storing in an airtight container to maintain their crisp texture.

6. Can I skip the spices?

Yes, but the spices are key to the festive flavor. You can adjust the spice levels to suit your taste.

7. Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to chill the dough in batches if your refrigerator space is limited.

8. What’s the best icing for decorating?

Royal icing works best for intricate designs, while simple powdered sugar glazes are great for a quick finish.

9. Can I use cookie stamps instead of cutters?

Yes, cookie stamps add beautiful designs and work well with this dough.

10. How do I package these biscuits for gifting?

Arrange the biscuits in a decorative tin or wrap them in cellophane bags tied with a festive ribbon.

Conclusion

Crunchy Christmas Spiced Biscuits are the perfect holiday treat, full of warmth, flavor, and festive charm. Whether you’re decorating them for a family baking day, giving them as gifts, or simply enjoying them with a hot drink, these biscuits are guaranteed to add a touch of magic to your holiday season. Happy baking!

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