Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Special Equipment Needed:
- Springerle rolling pin
- Parchment paper
- Baking sheets
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and poppy seeds. Set aside.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the lemon zest and juice.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
5. Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
6. Preheat the oven to 325°F.
7. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to a thickness of about 1/4 inch.
8. Using a Springerle rolling pin, press the design into the dough.
9. Cut the dough into individual cookies and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
10. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
11. Cool the cookies on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
12. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Chilling time: 1 hour
Cooking time: 12-15 minutes per batch
Temperature:
325°F
Serving size:
Makes about 2 dozen cookies
Nutritional information:
Calories: 130
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 3.5g
Cholesterol: 30mg
Sodium: 35mg
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 10g
Protein: 2g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for a healthier option.
- If you don't have poppy seeds, you can omit them or substitute with sesame seeds.
Variations:
- You can add 1/2 cup of chopped nuts, such as almonds or pecans, to the dough for added texture and flavor.
- For a more intense lemon flavor, add 1/2 teaspoon of lemon extract to the dough.
Tips and Tricks:
- Make sure to chill the dough before rolling it out to prevent it from sticking to the rolling pin.
- Dust the rolling pin with flour before using it to prevent the dough from sticking.
- Don't overbake the cookies, as they will become too hard and lose their delicate texture.
Storage Instructions:
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Reheating Instructions:
If the cookies become stale, you can revive them by placing them in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes.
Presentation Ideas:
Arrange the cookies on a platter and sprinkle with additional powdered sugar for a festive presentation.
Garnishes:
You can garnish the cookies with a slice of lemon or a sprig of fresh mint.
Pairings:
These cookies pair well with a cup of hot tea or coffee.
Suggested Side Dishes:
Serve these cookies as a sweet treat after a light meal, such as a salad or soup.
Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour until it comes together.
- If the cookies spread too much during baking, make sure the dough is chilled enough before baking.
Food Safety Advice:
Make sure to wash your hands and all equipment before preparing the dough to prevent contamination.
Food History:
Springerle cookies originated in Germany in the 14th century and were traditionally made for special occasions, such as weddings and Christmas.
Flavor Profiles:
These cookies have a delicate lemon flavor with a crunchy texture from the poppy seeds.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve these cookies as a sweet treat after a light meal, or as a snack with a cup of tea or coffee.
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Region: German