Cooking Instructions

Follow these steps for perfect results

Ingredients

0/12 checked
100
servings
5 cup

cake flour

2 cup

brown sugar

1 tsp

baking soda

0.5 tsp

cream of tartar

1 tsp

ground cloves

1 tbsp

ground cinnamon

1 tsp

ground nutmeg

2 tsp

salt

0.25 lb

butter

soft

0.25 lb

pork fat

rendered

0.5 cup

madeira wine

2 unit

eggs

whisked

Step 1
~3 min

Preheat oven to 380°F (180°C).

Step 2
~3 min

Grease cookie tins.

Step 3
~3 min

Render pork fat if using: Cut fat into small cubes and melt over low heat until liquefied, then cool

Step 4
~3 min

In a large bowl, mix together flour, brown sugar, baking soda, cream of tartar, salt, cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg (if using).

Key Technique: Baking
Step 5
~3 min

Rub in the butter and pork fat (or Crisco) until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.

Step 6
~3 min

Whisk the eggs, add ½ cup of sweet wine to the eggs, and then stir into the dry mixture.

Step 7
~3 min

Stir well. Add more sweet wine, if needed, until a fairly stiff dough forms.

Step 8
~3 min

Knead the dough to mix well and form a dough you can roll out.

Step 9
~3 min

Roll out the dough thinly on a floured surface in batches.

Step 10
~3 min

Gather unused dough, press together, and roll out again.

Step 11
~3 min

Place the oven grid in the center to prevent burning.

Step 12
~3 min

Press out large round cookies.

Step 13
~3 min

Carefully place cookies on the greased tins.

Step 14
~3 min

Bake in batches in the preheated oven for about 7 minutes, checking after 5 minutes to prevent burning.

Step 15
~3 min

Remove with an egg-lifter and let cool and harden on wire racks.

Step 16
~3 min

Store in airtight tins.

Pro Tips & Suggestions

Expert advice for the best results

Store in an airtight container to maintain crispness.

Adjust the amount of sweet wine to achieve the desired dough consistency.

Monitor baking time closely to prevent burning.

Cooking Experience

Everything you need to know before you start

Time & Preparation

Cleanup Time

15 mins

Batch Cooking
Friendly
Make Ahead

Can be made weeks in advance.

Freezable
Kid Friendly

Cooking Environment

Messiness Level
Low
Smell Intensity
Medium (Cinnamon, Cloves)
Noise Level
Low
Elder Friendly
Suitable for seniors

Plating & Presentation

Serving Suggestions

Serve with tea or coffee.

Offer as a dessert at gatherings.

Pack in a lunchbox as a sweet treat.

Perfect Pairings

Food Pairings

Cheese platter
Fresh fruit

Drink Pairings

Cultural Heritage

Discover the story behind this recipe

Origin & Tradition

Region of Origin

South Africa

Cultural Significance

A traditional cookie often enjoyed during holidays and special occasions.

Style

Occasions & Celebrations

Festive Uses

Christmas
Easter
Family Gatherings

Occasion Tags

Holiday
Christmas
Party
Dessert
Snack

Popularity Score

65/100

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