Bread > German Bread

Aachener Printen Bread Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground cloves
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda

Special equipment needed:
- Stand mixer with dough hook attachment
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper

Step-by-step instructions:

1. In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, ginger, salt, baking powder, and baking soda.

2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the honey, melted butter, milk, and egg.

3. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix on low speed until a dough forms.

4. Increase the speed to medium and knead the dough for 5-7 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic.

5. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and let it rest for 30 minutes.

6. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).

7. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

8. Divide the dough into 4 equal pieces and shape each piece into a round loaf.

9. Place the loaves onto the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.

10. Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack.


- Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Resting time: 30 minutes
- Cooking time: 20-25 minutes
Temperature:
- Oven temperature: 350°F (180°C)
Serving size:
- Makes 4 small loaves

Nutritional information:
- Calories: 450 per serving
- Fat: 16g
- Carbohydrates: 71g
- Protein: 7g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Brown sugar can be substituted with granulated sugar or coconut sugar.
- Honey can be substituted with molasses or maple syrup.
- Unsalted butter can be substituted with margarine or coconut oil.
- Milk can be substituted with almond milk or soy milk.
- All-purpose flour can be substituted with whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour.

Variations:
- Add chopped nuts or dried fruit to the dough for extra texture and flavor.
- Brush the loaves with melted butter and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar before baking for a sweeter crust.
- Add a teaspoon of orange zest to the dough for a citrusy twist.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the butter is melted and cooled before adding it to the dough to avoid cooking the egg.
- Knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic to ensure a soft and tender bread.
- Let the bread cool completely before slicing to prevent it from becoming gummy.

Storage instructions:
- Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Reheating instructions:
- To reheat the bread, wrap it in aluminum foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.

Presentation ideas:
- Serve the bread sliced with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Dust the bread with powdered sugar before serving for a festive touch.

Garnishes:
- Sprinkle chopped nuts or dried fruit on top of the bread for added crunch and flavor.
- Drizzle melted chocolate or caramel sauce over the bread for a decadent treat.

Pairings:
- Serve the bread with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a cozy snack.
- Pair the bread with a glass of red wine or port for a sophisticated dessert.

Suggested side dishes:
- Serve the bread with a side of fresh fruit or a fruit salad for a balanced meal.
- Pair the bread with a savory soup or stew for a hearty dinner.

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the dough is too dry, add a tablespoon of milk at a time until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- If the bread is too dense, make sure to knead the dough thoroughly and let it rest for the full 30 minutes before baking.
- If the bread is too sweet, reduce the amount of honey or brown sugar in the recipe.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure to wash your hands and all utensils before handling the dough to prevent contamination.
- Store the bread in an airtight container to prevent mold growth.
- Discard any bread that has been left at room temperature for more than 2 days.

Food history:
- Aachener Printen is a traditional German Christmas cookie that originated in the city of Aachen in the 15th century.
- The cookie is made with honey, spices, and flour, and is often shaped into a round or rectangular shape.
- Aachener Printen Bread is a variation of the traditional cookie that is baked into a loaf shape for a more substantial treat.

Flavor profiles:
- Aachener Printen Bread is a sweet and spicy bread that is flavored with cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and ginger.
- The honey adds a subtle sweetness to the bread, while the brown sugar adds a caramel-like flavor.
- The bread has a soft and tender crumb that is perfect for soaking up a hot beverage or a sweet sauce.

Serving suggestions:
- Serve the bread as a dessert or a snack with a cup of hot tea or coffee.
- Slice the bread and use it as a base for French toast or bread pudding.
- Toast the bread and spread it with butter or jam for a quick breakfast.

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Region: German

Taste: Sweet, Spicy, Nutty, Caramelized, Cinnamon, Cinnamon-Y