Easy German-style spelt flour cookies (Dinkelkekse), with walnuts. Coated with cinnamon and brown sugar, these healthy cookies are quickly made from-scratch. Vegetarian & kid-friendly.
We are making a favorite, from scratch (but super easy) cookie recipe that my kids love. If you are a fan of from-scratch, no-fuss cookies check out my recipe for Soldiers Cookies (Kurabiye) (which are pretty similar) and another Holiday favorite- 5 Ingredient Greek Cookies (old fashioned). So good!
FUN FACTS: Spelt flour (also Dinkelmehl in German) is a type of flour made from spelt, an ancient grain that is a relative of modern wheat. It has a slightly nutty and sweet flavor and is often used as a substitute for wheat flour in baking. Spelt flour is rich in nutrients, including protein, fiber, and minerals, and can be easier to digest for some people compared to regular wheat flour.
In Europe, flours are often categorized by a numbering system (e.g. Type 00, 403, 430, 500, 550, 630, etc.) that indicates the mineral content left after the flour is burned. The numbers correlate to how refined the flour is. Higher numbers usually indicate a higher mineral content, meaning the flour is less refined and retains more of the grain’s bran.
Ingredients and Substitutions
- Spelt Flour – the type of flour I use is this one organic Dinkelmehl, type 630. The cookies can be made with all types of flour, however slight adjustments will be needed to get a soft, non-stick dough.
- Butter – melted, or vegetable oil (canola or sunflower)
- Walnuts – chopped, or hazelnuts work too
- Egg – medium size
- Brown sugar – for rolling cookies and cookie dough
- Greek Yogurt – a tiny bit, or sour cream/crème fraiche works too
- Cinnamon for rolling cookies in
NOTE: Depending on the type of spelt flour used, you may need to adjust the liquid-flower ratio by adding a few tbsp. of water/butter to the dough. Remember to add tbsp.. by tbsp. to avoid cookie dough getting soggy.
How to make Spelt Cookies?
1st: Combine all ingredients and knead (with hands or mixer) a soft, not sticky dough.
2nd: Divide into small equally-sized balls (for even baking), dip into cinnamon & sugar on all sides and bake (until brown-ish and slightly cracked). Voila cookies are done!
What to serve with German spelt cookies?
These lovely quick cookies are perfect on their own or with a glass of tea/smoothie:
German Spelt Cinnamon Sugar Cookies
Equipment
- 2 mixing bowls
- 1 baking tray
Ingredients
- 60 g butter, melted
- 120 g brown sugar
- 1 egg, medium
- 1 tbsp. plain Greek yogurt, or sour cream
- 1 tsp. baking powder
- 240 g spelt flour, finely milled
- 50 g walnuts, chopped
For rolling cookies
- 1 tbsp. cinnamon
- 4 tbsp. brown sugar
Instructions
- First, in a large deep plate mix cinnamon and sugar for cookies, set aside.
- Next, in a large mixing bowl add all ingredients for cookies and mix with fork or stand mixer.
- Then, with slightly wet hands (if needed) shape the dough into small, equally-sized balls.
- Dip each cookie ball in cinnamon and sugar (cookies should be covered on all sides) and place onto baking sheet.
- Bake in preheated oven on 180C/360F until golden brown-ish and slightly cracked. Remove from stove, let cool and enjoy.
Notes
- Substitute butter with neutral type of vegetable oil like sunflower or canola.
- Substitute Greek Yogurt with crème fraiche or sour cream.
Nutrition
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Lovely