Spice Cookies are a timeless treat that fill the kitchen with the comforting aroma of warm spices and citrus zest. Dating back to early American home baking traditions, these cookies feature the cozy blend of cinnamon, cloves, and lemon, creating a perfect balance between sweet and zesty. Often enjoyed during the fall and winter months, their crisp edges and tender centers make them ideal for pairing with tea or coffee. Their rustic flavor captures the essence of homemade comfort, celebrating simple ingredients and old-fashioned methods that never go out of style.
Ingredients
- 3 eggs
- 1 lemon (juice and zest)
- 1 cup flour
- 2 cups sugar
- 4 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp cloves
- ½ tsp cinnamon
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Batter
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, beat together eggs and sugar for about 15 minutes until light and creamy.
Step 2: Add Flavorings
- Add lemon juice and zest, followed by cloves, cinnamon, and salt. Mix well to combine.
Step 3: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
- Gradually add flour and baking powder to the mixture, stirring until a smooth batter forms.
Step 4: Shape the Cookies
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Step 5: Bake and Cool
- Bake for 12–15 minutes or until lightly golden around the edges.
- Allow cookies to cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a rack.
Tips
- Substitute orange zest for lemon for a different citrus twist.
- Add ½ teaspoon ground ginger for extra warmth.
- Roll dough balls in sugar before baking for a sparkly finish.
- For a softer cookie, reduce baking time by 2 minutes.
- Use gluten-free flour blend for a GF-friendly version.
Transcription of the Original Recipe
Read or copy the transcription
Spice cookies. 4 doz 3 eggs. 2 cups sugar. 1 lemon. 4 teaspoons Baking Powder 1 cup flour. ½ teaspoon each cloves & cinnamon. Beat sugar & eggs 15 min. add lemon & spices lastly the flour Drop from spoon in Bake pan bake 15 min.
From Transcription to Instructions
We love that the original transcription is short and to the point, but we broke that quick note into smaller steps so you can follow along without guessing. The original transcription lists baking powder among the ingredients but only says “add…lastly the flour, ” so the instructions explicitly tell you to add the baking powder with the flour and to preheat the oven to 350°F, so you won’t wonder when or how to mix it in. We also spelled out dropping the dough onto a lined pan and a brief cool-on-pan step so the finish is easy to time.
Nutrition
Calories: 110kcalCarbohydrates: 22gProtein: 2gFat: 1.5gSaturated Fat: 0.4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.3gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.4gCholesterol: 35mgSodium: 75mgPotassium: 60mgFiber: 0.5gSugar: 15gVitamin A: 60IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 0.6mg
