Ingredients with Measurements:
- 500g all-purpose flour
- 250g honey
- 150g brown sugar
- 100g unsalted butter, softened
- 2 eggs
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground cloves
- 1 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 orange, zest only
- 1/4 cup milk
Special equipment needed:
- Parchment paper
- Rolling pin
- Cookie cutters
- Baking sheet
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, ginger, baking powder, and baking soda. Mix well and set aside.
2. In a separate bowl, cream together the honey, brown sugar, and softened butter until light and fluffy.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
4. Add the orange zest and mix well.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk until a smooth dough forms.
6. Divide the dough into two equal parts and wrap them in plastic wrap. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
7. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
8. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
9. On a floured surface, roll out the dough to a thickness of about 1/4 inch.
10. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes from the dough and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
11. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned.
12. Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Chilling time: 1 hour
Cooking time: 10-12 minutes per batch
Temperature:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
Serving size:
Makes about 24 cookies.
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 160
Fat: 4g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 2g
Sodium: 70mg
Sugar: 18g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use molasses instead of honey.
- You can use white sugar instead of brown sugar.
- You can use margarine instead of butter.
- You can use orange extract instead of orange zest.
Variations:
- You can add chopped nuts or dried fruits to the dough.
- You can drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled cookies.
- You can sprinkle powdered sugar over the cooled cookies.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the butter is softened before creaming it with the honey and sugar.
- Chill the dough before rolling it out to make it easier to handle.
- Use cookie cutters of different shapes and sizes to make the cookies more interesting.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
Storage instructions:
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Reheating instructions:
The cookies can be reheated in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 5 minutes.
Presentation ideas:
Arrange the cookies on a platter and sprinkle powdered sugar over them.
Garnishes:
You can garnish the cookies with chopped nuts or dried fruits.
Pairings:
Serve the cookies with a cup of hot tea or coffee.
Suggested side dishes:
The cookies can be served as a dessert or snack on their own.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the dough is too dry, add more milk.
- If the dough is too sticky, add more flour.
- If the cookies are too hard, reduce the baking time.
Food safety advice:
Make sure to wash your hands and all utensils before and after handling the dough.
Food history:
Aachener Printen is a traditional German Christmas cookie that originated in the city of Aachen. It is made with honey, spices, and flour, and is often flavored with orange peel.
Flavor profiles:
The cookies have a sweet and spicy flavor with a hint of orange.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the cookies on a platter with a cup of hot tea or coffee.
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Region: German