I love the different traditions and celebrations that take place around the world at this time of the year!
For example these DELICIOUS and spicy cookies are prepared on the eve of St. Nicholas in Holland, children have fun making the balls and thus help in their preparation, while waiting for their Christmas gifts brought by Sinterklaas, for them, Christmas Eve is only celebrated with a family dinner. Nice, isn't it?

INGREDIENTS:
350 gr sifted flour
180 gr melted butter
159 gr brown sugar
3 tablespoons maple syrup or syrup
2 tablespoons of honey
70 cc milk
1 tablespoon of baking powder

FOR THE MIXING
SPICE MIXING:

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
1 teaspoon powdered cardamom
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon anise powder

PREPARATION:

Combine the sifted flour, spices, sugar and baking powder, pour into the bowl of a stand mixer, using the flat beater attachment, begin mixing, adding the melted butter to the center. Continue beating until you have a floury mixture, add the maple syrup, honey and milk. Finish mixing by hand until you have a solid dough. Form small balls with your hands about 3 cm in diameter, place them on a baking paper lined tin, leaving enough space between each one.
Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for about 15 to 20 minutes or until the cookies are golden brown. Cool on a wire rack.