Speculaas Cookies

(by Kristina Zalesskaya)

For spice powder:

1 1/2 t. cinnamon

1/2 t. ground nutmeg

1/2 t. ground cloves

1/4 t. powdered ginger

1/4 t. cardamom

1/4 t. white pepper

Mix ingredients together.

7 oz. flour, sifted

2 t. baking powder

1 1/2 t. spoons spice powder

pinch of salt

7 T. brown sugar

9 T. cold butter

1 T. water

3 – 4 oz. sliced almonds, divided

1 egg, beaten

Mix together flour, baking powder, spice powder, salt, brown sugar, butter, water, and half of the sliced almonds.

Roll dough between two pieces of parchment paper to a thickness of less than 1/4 in.

Let dough rest in the refrigerator for 1 hour.

Preheat oven to 375 F.

Cut cookies to desired shapes with cutters.

Brush cookies with egg wash and sprinkle with remaining sliced almonds.

Bake on parchment paper for 15 - 18 minutes, and cool on a rack.

(Read From Russia With Love, the story that accompanies this recipe.)