Imagine a cookie that transports you straight to the charming streets of Basel, Switzerland - where rich chocolate, aromatic almonds, and a hint of cinnamon dance together in perfect harmony! Basler Brunsli are not just cookies; they're a delectable piece of Swiss culinary heritage that will make your taste buds sing and your kitchen smell like a European bakery. These elegant, melt-in-your-mouth treats are surprisingly simple to make yet impressive enough to wow your friends and family at any gathering.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Swiss
Serves: 24 cookies
Ingredients
- 200g dark chocolate, melted
- 200g ground almonds
- 150g sugar
- 1 egg white
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Finely chop the dark chocolate and melt it using a double boiler or microwave, stirring until smooth and glossy. Allow to cool slightly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground almonds, sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution of ingredients.
- Separate the egg white and whisk it until it becomes slightly frothy but not stiff peaks.
- Pour the melted chocolate into the dry ingredients and add the whisked egg white. Mix with a wooden spoon or spatula until a thick, cohesive dough forms.
- Cover the dough and refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up, making it easier to handle.
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Dust a clean work surface with powdered sugar. Roll out the chilled dough to approximately 1 cm thickness.
- Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes, traditionally heart or star-shaped. Re-roll remaining dough to maximize cookie yield.
- Place cookies on prepared baking sheets, leaving small spaces between them.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes until the edges are slightly crisp but the center remains soft.
- Remove from oven and let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, dust with additional powdered sugar if desired. Store in an airtight container for up to one week.
Tips
- Use high-quality dark chocolate for the most authentic and rich flavor profile.
- Ensure your egg white is at room temperature for better incorporation into the dough.
- Refrigerating the dough is crucial - it makes rolling and cutting much easier.
- Don't overbake! These cookies should remain slightly soft in the center.
- For a festive touch, use holiday-themed cookie cutters.
- If the dough feels too sticky, dust your work surface with a bit more powdered sugar.
- Let cookies cool completely before storing to maintain their delicate texture.
- Store in an airtight container to keep them fresh for up to a week.
- For extra elegance, consider a light dusting of powdered sugar just before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 10g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 0mg
