Weihnacht Plaetzchen (Christmas Biscuits) is a traditional German recipe for a classic butter-based biscuit (cookie) flavoured with vanilla and almond extract that's decorated with a mix of icing (frosting), coloured sugar, fruit and/or nuts. The full recipe is presented here and I hope you enjoy this classic German version of: Christmas Biscuits (Weihnacht Plaetzchen).
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This is a classic German version for a chocolate gingerbread-like cake. The version given here is Mennonite in origin and includes some fresh ginger in the mix.
For Decoration:
coloured sugar
nuts
candied cherries
candied fruit
coloured icing (frosting)
chocolate sweets
Method:
Cream together the butter and sugar in a bowl until light and fluffy. Add the egg yolks one at a time, beating thoroughly to combine after each addition. Now add the flavourings and half the flour and mix thoroughly then turn the dough onto a well-floured board and knead in the remaining flour.
When you have a stiff dough roll out to about 6mm thick and cut into Christmas-themed shapes (stars, crescents, trees, reindeer, presents, Santas etc). Transfer to a greased baking tray then place in an oven pre-heated to 190°C and bake for about 12 minutes, or until golden and crisp.
Set aside on wire racks to cool then decorate as desired with coloured icing, coloured sugar, fruit, nuts and/or chocolate or candied sweets.
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