Ingredients with Measurements:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon almond extract
- 1/2 cup finely ground almonds
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Special equipment needed:
- Springerle rolling pin or cookie mold
- Parchment paper
- Large mixing bowl
- Electric mixer
- Rolling pin
- Baking sheets
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs and sugar together until light and fluffy.
2. Add the almond extract and mix well.
3. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the egg mixture, mixing until a stiff dough forms.
5. Stir in the ground almonds until well combined.
6. Preheat the oven to 300°F.
7. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to a thickness of about 1/2 inch.
8. Using a Springerle rolling pin or cookie mold, press the design into the dough.
9. Cut the cookies apart and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
10. Allow the cookies to dry for 24 hours, uncovered.
11. Preheat the oven to 300°F.
12. Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, until they are just starting to turn golden brown.
13. Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes.
14. Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
15. Dust the cookies with powdered sugar before serving.
Time:
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 10-12 minutes per batch
Total time: 24 hours (including drying time)
Temperature:
Preheat oven to 300°F.
Serving size:
Makes about 3 dozen cookies.
Nutritional information:
Calories: 120
Fat: 2g
Carbohydrates: 24g
Protein: 2g
Sodium: 50mg
Sugar: 14g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can substitute the almond extract with vanilla extract or any other flavor of your choice.
- You can substitute the ground almonds with any other ground nuts or omit them altogether.
Variations:
- Add lemon zest or orange zest to the dough for a citrusy twist.
- Use different cookie molds or rolling pins to create different designs.
- Dip the cookies in melted chocolate for a decadent treat.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to let the cookies dry for 24 hours before baking to ensure the design stays intact.
- If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour.
- Don't overbake the cookies, as they can become dry and hard.
Storage instructions:
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
Reheating instructions:
The cookies can be reheated in a 300°F oven for a few minutes to crisp them up.
Presentation ideas:
Arrange the cookies on a platter and dust them with powdered sugar. You can also add a few whole almonds or other nuts for decoration.
Garnishes:
Dust the cookies with powdered sugar or drizzle them with melted chocolate.
Pairings:
Serve the cookies with a cup of tea or coffee.
Suggested side dishes:
These cookies are perfect on their own, but you can also serve them with fresh fruit or a cheese plate.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the dough is too dry, add a little more egg or water.
- If the cookies are sticking to the mold, dust it with flour before pressing it into the dough.
- If the cookies are spreading too much during baking, chill the dough for 30 minutes before rolling it out.
Food safety advice:
Make sure to use fresh ingredients and wash your hands and equipment thoroughly before starting.
Food history:
Springerle cookies originated in Germany and have been around since the 14th century. They were traditionally made for special occasions and holidays.
Flavor profiles:
These cookies have a sweet, almond flavor with a hint of vanilla.
Serving suggestions:
Serve these cookies as a sweet treat after dinner or with a cup of tea or coffee.
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Region: German