In Switzerland, all through December bakeries and homes are filled with the wonderful fragrances of “Guetzli,” the baking of
Christmas cookies. Here is one variation of a traditional cookie, the “Basler Brunsli.” The recipe is from Marianne
Kaltenbach, author of the “Aechti Schwizer Chuchi” cookbook.
Ingredients
1 lb ground almonds
1 lb powdered sugar
3 oz cocoa powder (or
1/2 lb grated semi-sweet
chocolate)
3 egg whites
2 tbsp Kirsch
1 tsp Cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground cloves
Method
Mix all ingredients. Roll out on a surface covered with sugar,
roll dough to about 1/4 - 1/2 inch thickness. Cut out cookies
with a 2-inch cookies cutter (heart or star shaped) and transfer
onto baking pan lined with parchment paper. Let the formed
cookies stand for about two hours at room temperature.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and bake cookies for 5-6
minutes. Don’t bake them too long or they will become very hard.