How to Make Aachener Printen: A Taste of German Tradition

Aachener Printen – the name alone conjures images of cozy German Christmas markets, the air thick with the scent of spices and sweetness. These thin, gingerbread-like cookies, hailing from the historic city of Aachen, are more than just a treat; they’re a taste of history and tradition. With their unique blend of spices and a satisfyingly chewy texture, Aachener Printen are a delightful departure from your average gingerbread cookie.

This holiday season, why not bring a touch of German charm to your kitchen? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll unlock the secrets to making authentic Aachener Printen right in your own home.

Gathering Your Ingredients

Before we embark on our baking journey, let’s gather our ingredients. Don’t be intimidated by the seemingly long list – many of these spices are likely already staples in your pantry.

For the Dough:

• 500g honey (preferably a blend of light and dark)
• 250g sugar
• 125ml water
• 1 kg all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
• 2 tsp baking soda
• 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tbsp ground coriander
• 1 tsp ground cloves
• 1 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1 tsp ground cardamom
• 1 tsp ground aniseed
• Zest of 1 orange, finely grated

For the Glaze:

• 1 egg white
• 200g powdered sugar
• 1-2 tbsp water

Essential Baking Tools

To ensure a smooth baking process, make sure you have the following tools on hand:

• Large saucepan
• Mixing bowls (various sizes)
• Wooden spoon
• Electric mixer (optional, but helpful for larger batches)
• Rolling pin
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Cookie cutters (optional)
• Pastry brush

The Art of Crafting Aachener Printen: A Step-by-Step Guide

Now, let’s delve into the heart of the matter – baking these delightful treats. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be well on your way to creating Aachener Printen that would make any German grandmother proud.

Step 1: Creating the Aromatic Base

1. In a large saucepan, combine the honey, sugar, and water. Place over medium heat and bring to a boil, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar.
2. Once the mixture boils, reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring frequently. This step is crucial for achieving that signature Printen chewiness.

Step 2: Blending the Spices

1. While the honey mixture simmers, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and all the spices in a separate large bowl. The aroma of the spices will instantly transport you to a festive German marketplace.

Step 3: Bringing the Dough Together

1. Gradually add the hot honey mixture to the dry ingredients, mixing vigorously with a wooden spoon (or using an electric mixer on low speed).
2. Once the dough starts to come together, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.

Step 4: Rest and Relaxation

1. Shape the dough into a ball, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and makes the dough easier to handle.

Step 5: Rolling and Shaping

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Divide the dough into 2-3 portions. Working with one portion at a time, roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of about 5mm.
3. Use cookie cutters to create desired shapes, or simply cut the dough into squares or rectangles.

Step 6: Baking to Perfection

1. Arrange the cookies on the prepared baking sheets, leaving a little space between each one.
2. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the cookies are firm to the touch.

Step 7: The Finishing Glaze

1. While the cookies are baking, prepare the glaze. In a bowl, whisk together the egg white, powdered sugar, and water until smooth and glossy.
2. Once the cookies are out of the oven, immediately brush them with a thin layer of glaze.

Step 8: Cooling and Enjoying

1. Let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheets before serving.
2. Once cooled, store your Aachener Printen in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.

Tips and Tricks for Aachener Printen Success

• Honey Matters: Using a blend of light and dark honey adds depth of flavor.
• Spice It Up: Feel free to adjust the spices to your liking. Some recipes call for a pinch of black pepper for an extra kick.
• Gluten-Free Option: You can substitute gluten-free flour blend 1:1 for the all-purpose flour.
• Storage Savvy: To prevent the cookies from becoming too soft, store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread.

Ingredients for Aachener Printen

Aachener Printen dough

FAQs About Aachener Printen

Q: Can I use store-bought gingerbread spice mix?

A: While you can use a pre-made gingerbread spice mix, using individual spices allows for greater control over the flavor profile.

Q: My cookies turned out a bit hard. What went wrong?

A: Overbaking is a common culprit for hard cookies. Be sure to check for doneness after 10 minutes.

Q: Can I freeze Aachener Printen?

A: Absolutely! These cookies freeze beautifully. Simply let them cool completely, then store them in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.

A Taste of Tradition, Baked with Love

There’s something truly special about baking Aachener Printen – the warmth of the spices, the aroma that fills your kitchen, and the anticipation of biting into a chewy, flavorful cookie. We encourage you to gather your ingredients and experience the joy of making these delightful German treats. Happy baking!

We’d love to hear about your Aachener Printen adventures! Share your baking experiences, photos, and any creative variations in the comments below. And be sure to explore our website for more delicious recipes and baking inspiration.