Leckerli, a chewy gingerbread cookie spiced with honey and candied citrus peel, offers a delightful taste of Swiss holiday tradition. These aromatic cookies, with their unique texture and rich flavor, are surprisingly easy to make at home. Whether you’re looking for a festive treat to share with loved ones or simply craving a taste of Switzerland, this recipe will guide you through each step, ensuring a rewarding baking experience.
A Journey into Swiss Baking
Before we delve into the recipe, let’s take a moment to appreciate the history of these delightful cookies. Leckerli, meaning “little delicious ones” in Swiss German, have been a beloved holiday staple in Switzerland for centuries. Their origins can be traced back to the Middle Ages, with the earliest known recipes appearing in 14th-century monasteries.
These spiced cookies were traditionally baked for special occasions like Christmas and were often adorned with intricate designs. Today, while still a cherished part of Swiss holiday celebrations, leckerli are enjoyed year-round, offering a delicious taste of history and tradition.
Ingredients for Authentic Leckerli
To make these delightful Swiss cookies, you’ll need a handful of readily available ingredients:
- 1 cup honey
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 cup candied orange peel, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup candied lemon peel, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup kirsch (optional, for a more pronounced flavor)
- Icing sugar, for dusting (optional)
A Note on Ingredients:
For truly authentic leckerli, try to source high-quality candied citrus peel. You can also use brandy or rum as substitutes for kirsch.
Tools for Baking Success:
- Large saucepan
- Wooden spoon
- Mixing bowls
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Rolling pin
- Cookie cutters (optional)
Step-by-Step Baking Instructions:
- Prepare the Dough: In a large saucepan, combine honey, sugar, and water. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and black pepper. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the honey mixture, mixing with a wooden spoon until a stiff dough forms.
- Add Candied Peel: Stir in the chopped candied orange and lemon peel, distributing them evenly throughout the dough. If desired, add kirsch at this stage for a more intense flavor.
- Chill and Roll: Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. This will make it easier to roll. Once chilled, preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Shape and Bake: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out desired shapes or simply cut the dough into squares or rectangles.
- Baking Time: Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until lightly golden brown. Let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheet before decorating, if desired.
Leckerli dough
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Leckerli:
- Dough Consistency: The dough will be quite stiff. If it’s too dry to work with, add a tablespoon of water at a time until more pliable.
- Rolling Out Dough: To prevent sticking, roll the dough between two sheets of parchment paper.
- Storage: Store leckerli in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
FAQs About Making Leckerli:
Q: Can I freeze leckerli dough?
A: Absolutely! The dough can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before rolling and baking.
Q: My cookies turned out a bit hard. What happened?
A: Overbaking can cause the cookies to harden. Make sure to check them for doneness after 12 minutes.
Presentation and Serving Suggestions:
Dust the cooled cookies with icing sugar for a festive touch. Arrange them on a decorative plate and serve with coffee, tea, or a glass of dessert wine.
Decorated Leckerli Cookies
Conclusion: Embracing Swiss Baking Tradition
Making leckerli is a wonderful way to connect with Swiss culinary heritage and create lasting memories in your own kitchen. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different shapes and decorations, adding your personal touch to this classic recipe.
We encourage you to try your hand at baking these delightful cookies. Share your baking adventures and tag us on social media – we’d love to see your delicious creations! For more traditional recipes and baking inspiration, explore our website for a world of culinary delights.
