Often served at Halloween, these muffins symbolized of the souls of the dead releasing to the other side. In some Catholic countries they were symbolic of a soul leaving Purgatory for the glories of Heaven. While they have fallen out of favor they are a delightful memory from Halloween’s past.
Makes 12 cookies
- 1 cup butter, unsalted and softened
- 3 cups baking flour
- 2eggs
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon nutmeg
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1teaspoon ginger
- 1teaspoon allspice
- ¼ cup milk
- Currants or raisins for topping
Preheat oven to 350°F and grease two cookie sheets.
In a small bowl, cut the butter into the flour with a pastry blender or a large fork. In a separate mixing bowl beat the eggs well, then beat in the sugar until the mixture becomes a light yellow. Stir in the rest of the spices and then add the milk. Combine the wet mixture with the flour. Turn onto a floured board and knead until the dough becomes stiff. Roll out until the mixture is ¼ inch thick. Cut into 4 inch rounds with a floured cookie cutter or glass and place on cookie sheets. Prick the top gently with a fork three or four times.
Bake for 20 minutes, cool on racks and then place the currants in a cross on top.