Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground anise
- 1/4 teaspoon ground mace
- 1/4 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/2 cup almonds, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup candied orange peel, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup candied lemon peel, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1/2 cup dried currants
- 1/2 cup candied cherries, finely chopped
Special Equipment Needed:
- Stand mixer
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Rolling pin
- Cookie cutters
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, nutmeg, ginger, anise, mace, coriander, allspice, and black pepper.
3. In the bowl of a stand mixer, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
4. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
5. Add the honey, almonds, orange peel, lemon peel, raisins, currants, and cherries and mix until combined.
6. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to 1/4 inch thick. Cut out shapes with cookie cutters and place on the prepared baking sheet.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until lightly golden. Allow to cool before serving.
Time:
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Temperature: 350 degrees F (175 degrees C)
Serving Size: Makes about 2 dozen cookies
Nutritional Information:
Calories: 150
Fat: 6 g
Carbohydrates: 22 g
Protein: 2 g
Substitutions for Ingredients:
- Butter: Can be substituted with vegan butter
- Sugar: Can be substituted with coconut sugar
- Egg: Can be substituted with a flax egg
- Honey: Can be substituted with maple syrup
Variations:
- Add 1/2 cup of chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans
- Add 1/2 cup of dried cranberries or blueberries
- Add 1/2 cup of shredded coconut
Tips and Tricks:
- Make sure the butter is softened before creaming with the sugar
- Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to prevent sticking
- Use cookie cutters of various shapes and sizes for a festive look
Storage Instructions:
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Reheating Instructions:
Gently reheat in a preheated 350 degree F (175 degree C) oven for 5 minutes.
Presentation Ideas:
Arrange the cookies on a platter and garnish with fresh fruit or edible flowers.
Garnishes:
- Fresh fruit
- Edible flowers
Pairings:
- Hot chocolate
- Tea
- Coffee
Suggested Side Dishes:
- Fruit salad
- Yogurt parfait
- Smoothie
Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour
- If the cookies are too dry, add a little more honey
Food Safety Advice:
- Make sure all ingredients are fresh and not expired
- Make sure all utensils and surfaces are clean before use
Food History:
Basler Gewürzleckerli is a traditional Swiss cookie that dates back to the 16th century. It is believed to have originated in the city of Basel, hence the name.
Flavor Profiles:
This cookie has a sweet and spicy flavor with hints of cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, nutmeg, ginger, anise, mace, coriander, allspice, and black pepper.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve as an after-dinner treat or as a snack with a cup of tea or coffee.
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Region: Swiss