Speculaas (Dutch Spice Cookies)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In large bowl, cream butter with sugars, vanilla, and anise extract. Add eggs and blend. Add orange zest if using.

Sift dry ingredients together and add to the butter mixture. Dough will be stiff.

Press into a jelly roll pan and press almonds into the dough.

Bake 15-30 minutes depending on whether you want crispy or soft speculaas. Traditionally, it’s crispy, though I love it soft.

If you have lots of energy, you can also chill the dough and then cut it into rounds or Christmas shapes.