Gewuerzplaetzchen (Traditional German Spice Cookies)

Lalaloula's Note:

This recipe comes from Dr. Oetker and is very, very good. It gets better and better as the cookies age and the taste is just wonderful. I think these cookies bring instant Christmas spirit to even the most uncheerful person. ;) I hope you like them as much as we do! Note: These need to chill for 1 hour.

• Total Time: 27 mins
• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 12 mins

Ingredients:

Yield: 48 large c ...

• 170 g butter
• 120 g sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla sugar
• 4 tablespoons milk
• 250 g flour
• 50 g almonds, ground
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon, ground
• 1/2 teaspoon clove, ground
• 1/2 teaspoon cardamom, ground
• 2 pinches mace, ground
• 48 whole almonds, blanched (1 for each cookie)

Directions:

1. In a large bowl knead butter, sugar and vanilla sugar with the dough hooks of your electric mixer until thoroughly combined. Stir in milk.
2. In a second bowl mix flour, ground almonds, baking powder and spices.
3. Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture and knead into a smooth dough. You might have to get your hands in to finish the job. ;).
4. Form into a log of 30 cm/ 11 inches length and wrap in cling film. Refrigerate for 1 hour.
5. Slice log into 5 mm/0.2 inch thick slices.
6. Place on a paper lined baking sheet and press one almond into the middle of each cookie.
7. Bake in the preheated oven at 180°C/350°F for about 12 minutes or slightly browned around the edges.
8. Leave to cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. These will keep for about 3 weeks in an airtight container.

Reviews

[Mom2Rose]

Aussie Swap #61 - these German cookies are outstanding and the spice combination is to die for!