Aachener Printen - Traditional German Spiced Cookies

Ingredients

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (120g) unsalted butter, softened 1/2 cup (120g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup (120g) brown sugar 1/2 cup (120g) brown sugar
• 1/4 cup (85g) honey 1/4 cup (85g) honey
• 1/4 cup (85g) molasses 1/4 cup (85g) molasses
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon ground anise seeds 1/2 teaspoon ground anise seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup (30g) chopped almonds (optional) 1/4 cup (30g) chopped almonds (optional)
• Powdered sugar, for dusting Powdered sugar, for dusting

Nutrition

• Calories: 120 kcal / 502 kJ
• Fat: 5g (Saturated Fat: 3g)
• Carbohydrates: 18g (Sugar: 10g)
• Protein: 1g
• Fiber: 0.5g
• Salt: 0.1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
2. 2.
   Add the honey and molasses to the butter mixture and mix until well combined.
3. 3.
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, cloves, anise seeds, baking powder, and salt.
4. 4.
   Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until a dough forms.
5. 5.
   If desired, fold in the chopped almonds.
6. 6.
   Shape the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
7. 7.
   Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
8. 8.
   On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to a thickness of about 1/4 inch (0.6 cm).
9. 9.
   Use cookie cutters to cut out desired shapes and transfer them to the prepared baking sheet.
10. 10.
    Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are slightly golden.
11. 11.
    Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
12. 12.
    Once cooled, dust the Aachener Printen with powdered sugar before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Honey — Use a high-quality honey for the best flavor. If the honey is too thick, gently warm it before adding it to the dough.
• Molasses — Opt for unsulfured molasses for a milder flavor. If you prefer a stronger molasses taste, use blackstrap molasses.
• Ground anise seeds — Grind whole anise seeds in a spice grinder or mortar and pestle for the freshest flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier flavor, increase the amount of ground cloves or cinnamon.
• If you prefer a softer texture, store the cookies in an airtight container for a day or two before serving.
• Dust the cookies with powdered sugar just before serving to maintain their appearance.

Serving advice

Serve Aachener Printen with a warm cup of tea or mulled wine for a cozy treat. They are perfect for holiday gatherings or as a homemade gift.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Aachener Printen on a festive platter and sprinkle them with an additional dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant presentation.