Instructions

1. In a large bowl mix the granulated sugar and vanilla extract with butter until well combined.
2. Beat in eggs, one at a time.
3. Sift the flour in to the bowl.
4. Add the baking powder, salt, cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom.
5. Stir the mixture until it forms a stiff dough.
6. Shape dough into a ball, cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 or more hours.
7. Preheat oven to 350 F
8. Preparing mold, shaping the Cookies:
9. Oil and flour a Spekulatius mold and tap out all excess flour.
10. Roll a golf ball-size piece of dough between your lightly floured hands into an egg shape.
11. Press the dough into the mold, filling all crevices.
12. Use a sharp knife or piece of kitchen twine to cut off excess dough, so the dough is flush with mold.
13. Tap the mold on the counter to release the cookie dough, or use a sharp knife to start the release of dough.
14. Carefully place the cookie on a cookie sheet and repeat with the rest of the dough.
15. If this process becomes too onerous,, do not own any cookie molds by rolling the dough 1/8 inch thick, then cut out cookies using your favorite cookie cutters.
16. Bake in an oven heated to 350 F for 10 to 12 minutes or until cookies brown slightly around the edges.