As the holiday season approaches, I find myself swept up in the warm spirit of celebration and nostalgia. Picture this: a cozy afternoon filled with the sweet aroma of melting chocolate and the irresistible essence of spiced cookie butter wafting through my kitchen. That’s how these Hanukkah Gelt Cookies came to life, turning a simple moment into a delicious memory.
Combining creamy Biscoff cookie butter and festive Hanukkah gelt, these cookies are a delightful treat that elevate any gathering. They’re not just easy to make—they’re also a surefire way to impress your family and friends without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re sharing them at a holiday party or savoring them during a quiet evening at home, each bite melts in your mouth, offering a perfect balance of sweetness and texture.
Join me in this joyous baking adventure, and let’s create a batch of cookies that will bring smiles and holiday cheer all around!
Why are Hanukkah Gelt Cookies a Must-Bake?
Delectable flavors: The blend of rich Biscoff cookie butter and smooth chocolate coins delivers a unique taste experience that’s simply unforgettable.
Effortless preparation: With straightforward steps and minimal fuss, these cookies are perfect for bakers of all levels.
Holiday magic: Their festive appeal makes them an ideal treat to share during the holiday season, spreading sweetness everywhere they go.
Versatile enjoyment: Enjoy them as a snack or dessert—these cookies fit any occasion, from cozy nights in to festive gatherings.
Quick baking: With just 10-12 minutes in the oven, you’ll have a delicious batch ready to impress your family or guests in no time!
Hanukkah Gelt Cookies Ingredients
Here’s everything you need to whip up these delicious treats!
For the Dough
- All-purpose flour – This is the base for your cookies; make sure it’s measured correctly for the perfect texture.
- Baking soda – Provides that essential lift to keep these cookies light and fluffy.
- Baking powder – A little extra boost to ensure your cookies rise beautifully.
- Fine sea salt – Just a pinch enhances all the sweet flavors in your dough.
- Unsalted butter – Softened to room temperature to create a smooth, creamy mixture.
- Granulated sugar – Balances the richness of the butter for a delightful sweetness.
- Light brown sugar – Adds moisture and depth, giving the cookies a lovely chewiness.
- Large egg – Binds everything together and adds richness to the cookies.
- Creamy Biscoff cookie butter – This sweet spread is the star ingredient, infusing your cookies with irresistible flavor.
- Vanilla extract – A splash of vanilla rounds out the sweetness beautifully.
For the Chocolate Addition
- Hanukkah gelt chocolate coins – These delightful candies add a festive touch and bursts of chocolatey goodness in every bite!
Feel free to gather these ingredients, and let’s dive into the baking magic! You’re just steps away from enjoying your delightful Hanukkah Gelt Cookies that everyone will love.
How to Make Hanukkah Gelt Cookies
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). This sets the stage for perfectly baked cookies that will be golden and delicious.
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Whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and fine sea salt in a bowl. Mix until combined, ensuring all dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
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Cream the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugars together in another bowl until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes—get ready for some sweet aromas!
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Beat in the large egg, creamy Biscoff cookie butter, and vanilla extract until everything is well combined. You want this mix to be velvety and enticing!
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Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing gently until just combined. Avoid over-mixing to keep your cookies tender and delightful.
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Fold in the unwrapped Hanukkah gelt chocolate coins. Feel free to break a few for an extra chocolatey surprise in some of the cookies!
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Drop spoonfuls of the cookie dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Leave some space between each dollop to let them spread out nicely while baking.
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Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. You’ll know they are ready when your kitchen starts to smell heavenly!
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Let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before gently transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This will help keep their shape and texture!
Optional: Sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt on top for an extra flavor burst.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Hanukkah Gelt Cookies?
Indulge in a delightful experience as you create a full meal that celebrates the warmth and joy of the holidays.
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Festive Hot Cocoa: The rich, chocolatey flavors perfectly complement the cookies’ sweetness, making for a cozy pairing that warms the heart.
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Spiced Apple Cider: This warm, spiced beverage adds a hint of seasonal nostalgia, enhancing the cookie’s melt-in-your-mouth goodness.
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Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of ice cream offers a delightful contrast, cooling down each bite of the buttery cookies and intensifying their flavors.
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Peppermint Bark: The cool minty crunch adds a lively zing, making it an exciting treat that pairs brilliantly with the sweet notes of the cookies.
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Nutty Mixed Nuts: The crunchiness and savory essence balance the sweetness in every bite, adding a satisfying texture to your snacking experience.
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Ginger Snap Cookies: For those who love gingerbread, these cookies blend well by echoing the spices and bringing a festive flair to your dessert spread.
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Cheese Platter: Pairing with a selection of creamy brie or tangy blue cheese offers an adventurous twist, enhancing the cookie’s richness with savory notes.
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Mulled Wine: The warm spices in mulled wine create a cozy atmosphere, making it the perfect drink to savor alongside these delightful cookies.
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Holiday Fruit Salad: Fresh, vibrant fruits can brighten your table, providing a refreshing contrast that cuts through the cookie’s richness beautifully.
Make Ahead Options
These Hanukkah Gelt Cookies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts looking to save time during the busy holiday season! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance by mixing all the ingredients as directed, then storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This not only enhances the flavors but also keeps the dough fresh. For longer storage, you can freeze the rolled cookie dough balls for up to 3 months—just be sure to separate them with parchment paper. When you’re ready to bake, simply place the frozen dough on a baking sheet and add an extra minute or two to the baking time. You’ll have delicious cookies that are just as delightful, all with minimal effort!
Expert Tips for Hanukkah Gelt Cookies
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Proper Butter Temperature: Ensure your unsalted butter is softened to room temperature. This helps create a smooth, creamy dough for perfect Hanukkah Gelt Cookies.
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Mixing Technique: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Over-mixing can lead to tough cookies, so be gentle!
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Chocolate Placement: For an extra chocolate surprise, break some Hanukkah gelt coins into smaller pieces and fold them into the dough.
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Baking Time: Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake; oven temps can vary. Look for lightly golden edges and a soft center for the best texture.
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Cooling Tip: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them set properly and maintain their shape.
How to Store and Freeze Hanukkah Gelt Cookies
Room Temperature: Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to keep them fresh and chewy.
Fridge: If you prefer a firmer texture, refrigerate the cookies in an airtight container for up to a week. Just let them come to room temperature before serving.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. To enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature.
Reheating: For a warm treat, reheat frozen cookies in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes. This refreshes the gooey chocolate and brings them back to life!
Hanukkah Gelt Cookies Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to get creative and customize your Hanukkah Gelt Cookies into something uniquely yours!
- Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for a lighter cookie that everyone can enjoy.
- Nutty Surprise: Add 1/2 cup of chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, for a delightful crunch and added flavor.
- Spiced Up: Incorporate 1 teaspoon of cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg to give your cookies a warm, holiday-inspired twist.
- Dairy-Free: Use vegan butter and flaxseed eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) for a creamy, dairy-free treat.
- Chocolate Lovers: Swap in milk chocolate or dark chocolate chips instead of Hanukkah gelt for a rich, chocolatey flavor that will surely delight.
- Coconut Variation: Add 1/2 cup of unsweetened shredded coconut for a tropical flavor that complements the sweet cookie butter perfectly.
- Biscoff Swirl: Layer in some extra Biscoff spread on top before baking for cookies that truly encapsulate the essence of cookie butter goodness.
- Minty Twist: Mix in a few drops of peppermint extract to bring a refreshing twist to your cookies, making them perfect for the holiday season.
Explore these variations and create a cookie experience that resonates with your personal taste and style!
Hanukkah Gelt Cookies Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the best Biscoff cookie butter?
When selecting Biscoff cookie butter, look for a rich, creamy texture without any separation or dark spots. The ingredients should be simple: primarily cookies and oils, without artificial additives. If you’re feeling adventurous, you might also try variations like crunchy Biscoff for added texture!
What is the best way to store leftover Hanukkah Gelt Cookies?
Absolutely! To keep your cookies fresh and chewy, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’d like them to last a bit longer, consider refrigerating them, but be sure to bring them back to room temperature for the best experience.
Can I freeze Hanukkah Gelt Cookies? How?
Yes, you can freeze your cookies! First, let them cool completely. Then, arrange the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 1 hour. Once sturdily frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. They’ll stay delicious for up to 3 months! To enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature.
What should I do if my cookies are too dry?
If your Hanukkah Gelt Cookies turn out a bit dry, don’t panic! Next time, try using slightly more butter or egg, or ensure not to over-mix the dough. Also, make sure to take them out of the oven as soon as the edges are lightly golden—overbaking can be a common cause of dryness.
Are these cookies safe for my pets?
It’s best to avoid sharing these cookies with your furry friends! Ingredients like chocolate (found in Hanukkah gelt) can be toxic for pets. Always check ingredient labels and consult your veterinarian if you have concerns about specific ingredients before sharing any treats.
Can I substitute ingredients for dietary restrictions?
Definitely! If you need to make these cookies gluten-free, you can swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. For dairy-free options, try using a plant-based butter or margarine instead. Make sure your Biscoff spread is dairy-free as well—many brands offer suitable choices!
Decadent Hanukkah Gelt Cookies for Sweet Holiday Joy
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and fine sea salt in a bowl.
- Cream the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugars together until smooth.
- Beat in the egg, Biscoff cookie butter, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing gently until just combined.
- Fold in the Hanukkah gelt chocolate coins.
- Drop spoonfuls of the cookie dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
