Tirggel - Swiss Honey Cookies

Ingredients

• 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (120ml) honey 1/2 cup (120ml) honey
• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup (60ml) water 1/4 cup (60ml) water
• 1/4 cup (55g) unsalted butter 1/4 cup (55g) unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 70 kcal / 293 KJ
• Fat: 2g (0.8g saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 12g (7g sugars)
• Protein: 1g
• Fiber: 0.3g
• Salt: 0.05g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a saucepan, combine the honey, sugar, water, butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Heat over medium heat until the mixture comes to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally.
2. 2.
   Remove the saucepan from heat and let the mixture cool for 5 minutes. Stir in the vanilla extract.
3. 3.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and the honey mixture. Mix until a smooth dough forms.
4. 4.
   Divide the dough into smaller portions and roll each portion out to a thickness of about 1/8 inch (3mm).
5. 5.
   Use wooden molds or cookie cutters to create intricate designs on the rolled-out dough.
6. 6.
   Place the shaped cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. 7.
   Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
8. 8.
   Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool completely 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 using.
• Wooden molds — Dust the molds with flour before pressing them into the dough to prevent sticking.
• Butter — For a richer flavor, use unsalted butter. If using salted butter, reduce the added salt slightly.

Tips & Tricks

• To achieve a crisp texture, roll the dough thinly and bake until the edges are golden brown.
• Experiment with different spice combinations, such as adding a pinch of cardamom or ginger for a unique twist.
• Store the cookies in an airtight container to maintain their crunchiness.

Serving advice

Serve Tirggel alongside a cup of hot tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat. They can also be enjoyed as a sweet ending to a Swiss-inspired meal.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Tirggel on a decorative platter, showcasing their intricate designs. Dust them with powdered sugar for an extra touch of elegance.