Basler Brunsli Food

CHOCOLATE-SPICE COOKIES (BASLER BRUNSLI)

Steps:

• Heat oven to 325°F.
• Line several baking sheets with aluminum foil.
• In a food processor, process the almonds and 1 cup powdered sugar until the almonds are powder-fine but not oily; stop the processor and scrape down the sides several times.
• Add the cocoa powder, cinnamon, cloves, and chocolate; continue processing until the chocolate is finely ground.
• Add the remaining 1/2 cup powdered sugar, the almond extract, and egg whites; process until the mixture is blended and just forms a mass.
• Set the dough aside for 5 to 10 minutes to stiffen slightly.
• Generously dust a work surface with powdered sugar. If the dough seems too soft to roll out easily, dust it with more sugar and knead until the consistency is manageable, but avoid adding any more sugar than absolutely necessary.
• Roll out the dough to 1/4-inch thickness, lifting it with a spatula frequently and re-dusting the surface and rolling pin with powdered sugar to prevent sticking.
• Cut out the cookies using a 2 1/4-inch heart-shaped (or similar) cutter.
• Use a spatula to transfer the cookies to the prepared baking sheets, about 1 inch apart.
• Bake the cookies for 9 to 12 minutes or until almost firm on top and slightly puffy.
• Let them stand on the foil lined baking sheets until completely cooled. Peel from the foil.
• Store airtight for 3 to 4 days. Freeze, airtight, for longer storage.

BASLER BRUNSLI (SWISS CHOCOLATE SPICE COOKIES)

Steps:

• Place the chopped almonds and sugar in the bowl of your food processor. Pulse until the mixture resembles flour.
• Add the chopped chocolate, cinnamon, and cloves. Pulse until the chocolate is finely ground and evenly distributed.
• Add the egg and pulse until a dough ball forms.*
• Remove the dough from the food processor, shape it into a ball, and wrap it in plastic wrap. Refrigerate it for 1-2 hours, until firm.
• Sprinkle a large piece of parchment paper with sugar and transfer the dough to the paper. Press the dough to flatten it slightly and sprinkle the top with more sugar. Lay another piece of parchment paper over dough. (This is so your dough doesn't stick to your rolling pin.)
• Roll the dough to roughly an 1/8 inch thick.
• Carefully, remove the top parchment paper and cut out cookies using your desired cookie cutter.
• Place the cut cookies onto a parchment paper lined baking sheet, spaced about 1 inch apart. Reroll the scraps until all your dough has been used.
• Place the cut out cookies on their baking trays (uncovered) in an out of the way place and leave the cookies to dry overnight.
• Preheat your oven to 300F.
• Once preheated, bake the cookies 12-15 minutes, until slightly puffy.
• When done, remove the cookies from the oven and dust them with granulated sugar. Let the cookies cool for 5-10 minutes on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
• Store the cookies in an airtight container on the counter for 1 week.

BASLER BRUNSLI

Steps:

• In a food processor, pulse together the chocolate, cocoa powder, cinnamon and cloves until finely ground.
• Set aside.
• In a large bowl, beat the egg whites until foamy.
• Beat in the superfine sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, until stiff peaks form.
• Fold in the chocolate mixture, almonds and kirsch until just combined.
• Divide the dough in half and shape into rectangles.
• Wrap and refrigerate until firm, about 30 minutes.
• Sprinkle the work surface with half of the granulated sugar.
• Working with 1 piece of dough, turn 2 or 3 times to coat with sugar.
• Roll out to a scant 1/2" thickness.
• Using a 2" heart-shaped cookie cutter, cut into hearts.
• Repeat with the remaining dough.
• Place on a sheet of waxed paper and sprinkle with the coarse sugar.
• Let dry for 1 hour.
• Line rimless baking sheets with parchment paper.
• Arrange the cookies, about 1 inch apart, on the pans.
• Bake in the centre of a 325 degree F oven just until firm, about 20 minutes.
• Transfer to racks and let cool completely.