Windmill Cookies A Nostalgic Dutch Delight

These windmill cookies are a nostalgic and delightful way to bring a taste of Dutch tradition to your home. Crisp, spiced, and slightly sweet, they’re the perfect treat for cozy afternoons or special occasions. Enjoy the warm flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves in every bite!

Windmill Cookies

What Are Windmill Cookies?

Windmill cookies, also known as Dutch windmill cookies, are spiced cookies traditionally shaped like windmills, originating from the Netherlands. These crunchy treats are rich with warm spices like cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg, often with a delightful almond crunch. If you’ve never had one, think of them as a crisp, buttery, spiced cookie with a hint of almond—a perfect companion to coffee or tea.

These cookies have a history dating back centuries in Dutch culture and are a beloved treat across the globe. Whether you’re looking to make these nostalgic cookies from scratch or want to try a new baking project, this windmill cookie recipe will guide you through it.

Ingredients for Windmill Cookies

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer or hand whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rolling pin
• Windmill-shaped cookie cutter (optional)
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper

How to Make Windmill Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

• In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until smooth and fluffy.
• Add the egg and almond extract, mixing until well combined.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, baking powder, and salt.

Step 2: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter-sugar mixture, blending until a dough forms. If the dough feels too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time.

Step 3: Chill the Dough

• Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour. This will make it easier to roll out and cut.

Step 4: Roll and Shape the Cookies

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper.
• On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about ¼-inch thickness.
• Use a windmill cookie cutter (or any shape you prefer) to cut out the cookies. If you’re using slivered almonds, press them lightly into the top of each cookie for an authentic touch.

Step 5: Bake the Cookies

• Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets, leaving space between them.
• Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for Making Authentic Windmill Cookies

• Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough not only helps the flavors meld but also makes it easier to handle and keeps the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
• Roll Evenly: Rolling the dough to a consistent thickness ensures even baking, which is key to getting that perfect crunch in every bite.
• Use Almonds: Adding slivered almonds to the dough or pressing them on top of the cookies before baking gives the cookies a delightful nutty flavor and an authentic look.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with Coffee or Tea: These crispy cookies are perfect for dipping into a hot cup of coffee or tea.
• Cookie Exchange: Windmill cookies make an excellent addition to a holiday cookie exchange or as a homemade gift.
• Dutch-Inspired Dessert Platter: Serve them alongside other traditional Dutch treats like stroopwafels and speculaas for a themed dessert spread.

Nutritional Information

Per Cookie (based on 24 cookies):

• Calories: 120 kcal
• Fat: 6g
• Carbohydrates: 16g
• Protein: 2g
• Sugar: 8g
• Fiber: 1g

Recipe Variations

• Ginger Variation: Add 1 tsp of ground ginger for a spicier cookie with a touch of extra warmth.
• Honey Windmill Cookies: Substitute some of the sugar with honey for a deeper, more complex sweetness.
• Gluten-Free Windmill Cookies: Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour to make these cookies gluten-free.
• Speculaas-Inspired: If you love the flavor of speculaas, a popular spiced Dutch cookie, you can increase the spice quantities (especially cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves) for a more intense flavor.

Who Should Skip This Recipe?

• Nut Allergies: This recipe contains almond extract and optional slivered almonds, making it unsuitable for those with nut allergies. You can omit the almonds and substitute vanilla extract for almond extract for a nut-free version.
• Low-Carb Dieters: With sugar and flour as key ingredients, these cookies are not ideal for low-carb or ketogenic diets.
• Gluten Sensitivity: Unless you’re using a gluten-free flour substitute, these cookies contain wheat, which may not be suitable for those with gluten intolerance.

FAQ

1. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes! Windmill cookies store well in an airtight container for up to 5 days at room temperature. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months.

2. What if I don’t have a windmill-shaped cookie cutter?

No worries! You can use any cookie cutter shape or simply cut the dough into rectangles with a knife. The flavor will still be the same.

3. Can I use whole almonds instead of slivered almonds?

Yes, but be sure to chop them finely before adding them to the dough or pressing them onto the cookies to ensure they bake evenly.

What Do You Think?

Have you tried making windmill cookies before? How did they turn out? Let me know in the comments below, and feel free to share any tips or tweaks you’ve discovered. Also, be sure to check out my other windmill cookie recipe variations for more delicious Dutch-inspired treats!

Also you can check out my other cookie recipes, classic cookies, family cookies, cookies made for kids, and quick and easy cookie recipe categories for further inspiration and ideas!