Leckerli
Leckerli is a Swiss gingerbread with a hardened texture and a burst of winter spice flavor. It originated in the Basler area of Switzerland, hence why they are sometimes called Basler Leckerli.
Läcker is the Swiss term for “delicious”, a word that describes to this charming dessert perfectly! Nonetheless to say that this is one of the most popular Swiss desserts.
Leckerli
If you want to really enjoy Leckerli you have to try it with a cup of warm chocolate milk – it's a real treat!
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup acacia honey
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp lemon zest finely grated
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp black pepper freshly ground
- pinch of nutmeg freshly grated
- pinch of ground ginger
- pinch of ground cloves
- pinch of white pepper freshly ground
- 2/3 cup candied lemon peel finely diced
- 4 1/2 ounces almonds sliced
- 1/4 cup kirsch or cherry bramdy
- 2 cups all purpose flour + 2 tbsp
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 2/3 cup confectioner’s sugar
- 1 1/2 tbsp water
Instructions
- Place the honey and granulated sugar in a saucepan over low heat and add all the spices. Combine all the ingredients well and cook for 3 minutes or so, stirring every so often, until the sugar and honey have melted and mixed.
- Take the pan off the heat and throw in 1 cup + 2 tablespoons of the almonds, the candied lemon rind and the kirsch (or cherry brandy).
- Now add the flour and baking soda to the mixture and mix to homogenize and form a dough.
- Place down some plastic wrap on a baking sheet and place your dough on top. Flatten it down and place in the fridge to firm up for approximately 2 hours.
- After chilling the dough, remove it onto a clean floured surface and use a rolling pin to stretch it out into a 12-inch square about 3/8 inch thick. Place the dough on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper and prick it all over with a fork. Sprinkle the remaining almonds on top, cover with cling film and place back in the fridge overnight.
- The next day, when you're ready to finish preparing the Leckerli , preheat the oven to 400°F/ 200°C.
- Place the cookie dough in the oven on the middle rack and bake for 15-20 minutes or so until the top turns golden.
- While the leckerli is baking, prepare the glaze by combining the confectioner's sugar with 2 ½ teaspoons of water until the consistency turns creamy. Place the sugar mixture on the stove and cook on low heat until it thickens (it should take around 5 minutes).
- Once the leckerli is done, take it out of the oven and brush it with the glaze immediately. Slide the lackerli onto a wire rack and allow to cool.
- Once cooled, place the square on a cutting board and cut it into 3-inch squares or rectangular bars.
- Enjoy with a cut of warm chocolate milk!
Notes
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