Dutch Windmill Cookies

Prep: 30 min Cook: 12 min Serves: 24 Cuisine: Dutch

Delicious Dutch Windmill Cookies feature warm cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, with a tender, buttery texture accented by sliced almonds. Perfect for festive occasions or everyday treats.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 cup butter
  • 1 cup margarine or lard
  • 4 cups flour
  • 4 teaspoons cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon cloves
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • sliced almonds

Instructions

  1. Cream the butter, margarine, and sugar together.
  2. Sift the flour, cinnamon, soda, nutmeg, and cloves together.
  3. Mix the dry ingredients well with the creamed mixture.
  4. Add 1/2 cup sour cream, knead well, and form into two rolls.
  5. Wrap the rolls in wax paper and chill overnight.
  6. Slice the chilled rolls and top with sliced almonds.
  7. Bake the cookies at 350°F (175°C) for 12 minutes.
  8. Lay the cookies on newspaper to cool.
  9. Cover with a paper towel.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider substituting half of the butter with unsweetened applesauce or a nut butter. If you don't have sour cream, plain yogurt or buttermilk can work as a substitute. When mixing the dry ingredients, ensure they are well combined to avoid any clumps in the dough, which can affect the texture of the cookies. Chilling the dough is crucial for achieving the right consistency.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these Dutch Windmill Cookies alongside a hot cup of tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat. They also pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert. For a festive touch, consider drizzling melted chocolate over the cookies or serving with a side of fresh fruit. Browse more vegetarian recipes for additional sweet options.

Storage & Reheating

Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. To enjoy them warm, reheat in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-7 minutes.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Dutch Windmill Cookies contains roughly 406 calories, with 4g protein, 25g carbohydrates, and 34g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (34% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 9g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

406 kcal 20% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 4g 8% DV
Total Fat 33.6g 43% DV
Carbs 25.5g 9% DV
Fiber 9.4g 34% DV
Sugar 1.7g 3% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 155.5mg 7% DV
Potassium 220.2mg 5% DV
Cholesterol 1.6mg 1% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 9.4mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 4.8mg 5% DV
Calcium 104.8mg 8% DV
Iron 1.5mg 8% DV
Diet fit High-fiber
Contains Milk Wheat/Gluten Tree nuts

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use all butter instead of margarine or lard?

Yes, you can use all butter for this recipe. It will enhance the flavor and give the cookies a richer taste. Just keep in mind that the texture might be slightly different, but they should still turn out delicious.

What can I do if the dough is too sticky?

If the dough is too sticky to handle, try chilling it for a bit longer. You can also dust your work surface and hands with a little flour to make it easier to shape the rolls. Avoid adding too much flour, as it can alter the texture of the cookies.

How can I make these cookies gluten-free?

To make these cookies gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it contains xanthan gum, as this helps to bind the dough. You may need to adjust the liquid slightly, so start with less and add more as needed to achieve the right consistency.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

Vegetarian recipes → Dairy recipes → All recipes →