Belgian Biscuits: A Kiwi Classic

History of Belgian Biscuits

Belgian biscuits are a classic Kiwi treat that has been enjoyed for generations. They are made from a simple dough that is spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, and then sandwiched together with raspberry jam. The biscuits are then iced with a simple icing made from icing sugar and butter.

How to Make Belgian Biscuits

Making Belgian biscuits is a simple process that can be enjoyed by bakers of all skill levels. The first step is to make the dough. To do this, you will need:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Once you have gathered your ingredients, you can begin making the dough. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg until well combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.

Once the dough is made, wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This will help the dough to firm up and make it easier to roll out.

When you are ready to bake the biscuits, preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to a thickness of 1/4 inch. Cut out the biscuits using a 2-inch round cookie cutter. Place the biscuits on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown around the edges.

Allow the biscuits to cool completely on the baking sheet before icing. To make the icing, you will need:

• 1 cup icing sugar
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1-2 tablespoons milk

In a small bowl, whisk together the icing sugar and butter until smooth. Add the milk one tablespoon at a time, until the icing reaches desired consistency. Spread the icing on the cooled biscuits and enjoy!

Tips for Making the Perfect Belgian Biscuits

Here are a few tips for making the perfect Belgian biscuits:

• Use high-quality ingredients. The better the ingredients, the better the biscuits will be.
• Do not overmix the dough. Overmixing will make the biscuits tough.
• Refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes before rolling out. This will help the dough to firm up and make it easier to work with.
• Bake the biscuits until they are golden brown around the edges. Overbaking will make the biscuits dry.
• Allow the biscuits to cool completely before icing. This will help the icing to set properly.

Conclusion

Belgian biscuits are a delicious and easy-to-make treat that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. Whether you are a beginner baker or a seasoned pro, I encourage you to give this recipe a try. You won't be disappointed!