How to Make Zürcher Plätzchen: A Taste of Switzerland in Your Kitchen

Zürcher Plätzchen, or Zurich cookies as they’re lovingly called in English, are a delightful treat that will transport your taste buds straight to the heart of Switzerland. These delicate, melt-in-your-mouth cookies boast a delightful harmony of textures and flavors, with a buttery, crumbly base generously topped with a sweet and tangy almond icing. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe is surprisingly simple to follow and guarantees delicious results that will impress everyone.

In this article, we’ll embark on a culinary journey to recreate these traditional Swiss cookies in the comfort of your own home. I’ll guide you through each step, sharing tips and tricks to ensure your Zürcher Plätzchen turn out perfect every time. So, tie on your aprons, preheat those ovens, and let’s get baking!

Gathering Your Ingredients: A Symphony of Flavors

Before we dive into the baking process, let’s gather our ingredients, each playing a crucial role in creating the unique symphony of flavors that is Zürcher Plätzchen:

For the Cookies:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup almond flour (or finely ground almonds)

For the Almond Icing:

• 1 ½ cups confectioners’ sugar
• 3-4 tablespoons milk or water
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon almond extract
• Pinch of salt
• Red or pink food coloring (optional, for decoration)

A Few Notes on the Ingredients:

• Butter: Using high-quality, unsalted butter is key to achieving that rich, buttery flavor these cookies are known for.
• Almond Flour: While almond flour is readily available in most supermarkets, you can also make your own by finely grinding blanched almonds in a food processor.
• Extracts: Both vanilla and almond extracts enhance the flavor profile of these cookies. Feel free to adjust the quantities to your preference.

Tools of the Trade: Equipping Your Kitchen

To ensure a smooth and enjoyable baking experience, let’s gather the necessary tools:

• Mixing Bowls: You’ll need two bowls – one for the cookie dough and another for the icing.
• Electric Mixer: An electric mixer, either stand mixer or handheld, will make creaming the butter and sugar a breeze.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial for consistent results.
• Baking Sheet: Line your baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
• Cookie Cutters: Choose your favorite cookie cutters! Traditional Zürcher Plätzchen are often round or flower-shaped.
• Wire Rack: Once baked, allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before icing.

Crafting Culinary Magic: The Step-by-Step Guide

Now, let’s transform these simple ingredients into a delectable masterpiece!

1. Preparing the Cookie Dough:

1. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for creating a tender and airy cookie.
2. Beat in the vanilla extract and salt until well combined.
3. Gradually add the all-purpose flour and almond flour to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as it can result in tough cookies.
4. Shape the dough into a disc, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling the dough helps prevent spreading during baking and makes it easier to handle.

2. Shaping and Baking:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Lightly dust your work surface and rolling pin with flour. Roll out the chilled dough to about ¼ inch thickness.
3. Using your favorite cookie cutters, cut out desired shapes and carefully transfer them onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving a little space between each cookie.
4. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges turn a light golden brown. Keep a close eye on the cookies, as they can easily burn.
5. Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack before icing.

3. Creating the Almond Icing:

1. While the cookies are cooling, whisk together the confectioners’ sugar, milk (or water), vanilla extract, almond extract, and salt until smooth and spreadable. If the icing seems too thick, add more milk, one tablespoon at a time. Conversely, if it’s too thin, add more confectioners’ sugar.
2. Divide the icing into separate bowls if you want to create different colored icings for decoration. Add a drop or two of food coloring to each bowl and mix until desired shades are achieved.

4. The Finishing Touch: Icing and Decorating:

1. Once the cookies have completely cooled, spread a generous layer of icing on top of each cookie, ensuring an even coating.
2. If using multiple colors, get creative with your decorating! You can create swirls, dots, or even use a toothpick to create intricate designs.
3. Let the icing set completely before serving. This usually takes about 30 minutes to an hour.

Zurich Cookies Ingredients

Zürcher Plätzchen: FAQs and Tips for Baking Success

Q: Can I freeze Zürcher Plätzchen dough?

A: Absolutely! The cookie dough can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, simply thaw the dough in the refrigerator overnight and proceed with the recipe as directed.

Q: My cookies spread too much while baking. What went wrong?

A: Over-creaming the butter and sugar, not chilling the dough long enough, or a too-hot oven can all contribute to cookie spread. Ensure your butter is properly softened (not melted), chill the dough for the recommended time, and double-check your oven temperature.

Q: Can I use a different type of icing?

A: While the traditional almond icing is what gives Zürcher Plätzchen their unique flavor, you can experiment with other icings like a simple glaze made from confectioners’ sugar and lemon juice.

Pro Tip from Pastry Chef, Emily Carter: “For an extra layer of flavor, try toasting the almond flour for a few minutes in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C). Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning. This enhances the nutty notes and adds a wonderful aroma to your cookies.”

Zurich Cookies Baking

A Taste of Swiss Tradition in Your Kitchen

Zürcher Plätzchen are more than just cookies; they’re a bite-sized taste of Swiss tradition and culinary heritage. With this easy-to-follow recipe, you can recreate these delightful treats in your own home and share the joy of baking with your loved ones. As you savor each crumbly, melt-in-your-mouth bite, let yourself be transported to the charming streets of Zurich, where the aroma of freshly baked goods fills the air.

Don’t forget to share your baking adventures with us! Snap a picture of your beautiful Zürcher Plätzchen and share it on social media using #FamilyCuisine. We can’t wait to see your culinary creations!

Interested in exploring more European-inspired treats? Check out our recipe for French Madeleines – another classic cookie that’s sure to become a household favorite. Happy baking!