SUGAR COOKIES (SOUTH AFRICA)

Sugar Cookies (South Africa) image

A spicy sugar cookie from South Africa. The addition of brandy and port wine make these unique. Posted for ZWT 2006. Cooking time does not include chilling the dough before rolling.

Provided by Annisette

Categories Dessert

Time 25m

Yield 3-5 dozen

Number Of Ingredients 16

Ingredients

1/2 cup shortening
1/2 cup butter
1/4 teaspoon clove
1/2 teaspoon ginger
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon allspice
1/2 teaspoon orange zest
2 eggs, well beaten
1 2/3 cups sugar
1/3 cup ground almonds (optional)
4 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 tablespoon brandy
1/4-1/2 cup port wine

Steps:

Preheat oven 400°F.
In bowl, cream butter and shortening. Add cloves, ginger, cinnamon, allspice, and orange peel. Mix well.
Beat in eggs, sugar, and almonds.
In another bowl, sift together flour, baking soda, salt, and baking powder. Add to butter mixture alternately with the brandy and wine.
Chill dough for about 30 minutes to an hour, or until firm enough to roll.
Turn chilled dough out on a floured board and roll until the dough is very thin.
Using pastry cutters, cut the dough into desired shapes.
Bake on greased cookie sheets for 10-15 minutes, or until nicely browned.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 1708, Fat 69.9, SaturatedFat 29.3, Cholesterol 222.3, Sodium 928.5, Carbohydrate 242.4, Fiber 4.9, Sugar 113.3, Protein 21.9