We usually make these on the feast of St. Ambrose, patron of beekeepers. I had an idea in my mind of a large, soft cookie scented with orange and spice, and this is what I came up with one December 7th.
1 cup honey
1/2 cup sugar
3 eggs
3/4 cup butter, softened
1 tablespoon dried orange peel
3 1/2 cups flour ( I use white whole wheat for one cup)
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon cloves
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ginger
1 teaspoon baking soda
Cream butter and honey with sugar and orange peel, either by hand or in an electric mixer. Stir in dry ingredients until well mixed. Drop by large dollops onto cookie sheet, either greased or lined with parchment. Bake at 375 degrees F for approximately 10-15 minutes, until lightly browned on top and they test done when you stick in a toothpick.
The orange spice flavor will be more pronounced if you let them cool, but who can wait? These are delicious with a cup of tea.