Spiced Dutch Gingerbread Delights
Indulge in the heart-warming flavors of traditional Swiss and German gingerbread with these Spiced Dutch Gingerbread Delights. Magenbrot, meaning stomach-friendly bread, is a cherished Christmas cookie that features a unique blend of comforting spices like cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. Crafted with high-quality Dutch-processed cocoa for that deep brown hue, these cookies are firm yet tender. This modern rendition introduces a hint of richness with a touch of butter and a delightful glaze infused with coffee and rum, perfect for elevating your holiday table. Bake a big batch to share with family and friends, as the festive aroma will surely captivate everyone during the holidays!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
17
Ingredients
Ingredients
Honey
200 g (Measure and set aside.)
Butter
50 g (Melt before adding to the pot.)
Brown Sugar
100 g (Measure and set aside.)
Egg
1 (Crack and whisk lightly before adding.)
Flour
500 g (Measure and sift if necessary.)
Dutch-Processed Cocoa Powder
1 tablespoon (Measure and set aside.)
Cinnamon (Ground)
1 teaspoon (Measure and set aside.)
Cloves (Ground)
1/2 teaspoon (Measure and set aside.)
Cardamom (Ground)
1/2 teaspoon (Measure and set aside.)
Nutmeg
1 dash (Add according to taste.)
Potash
2 teaspoons (Measure and dissolve in rose water.)
Rose Water
3 tablespoons (Measure and set aside.)
Instant Coffee
2 teaspoons (Measure and dissolve in rum.)
Rum
2 tablespoons (Measure and set aside.)
Coconut Fat (Solid)
20 g (Melt before glazing.)
Caster Sugar
150 g (Sieve before adding to glaze.)
Water
As needed (Use for adjusting glaze consistency.)
Instructions
1
In a medium pot, combine honey, butter, and brown sugar. Heat over medium-high heat, stirring constantly until the sugar fully dissolves.
2
Once the sugar has dissolved, remove the pot from heat and mix in the egg until fully combined.
3
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and spices. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the honey mixture, stirring until a dough begins to form.
4
Dissolve the potash in rose water and add it to the dough. Knead the dough until it is well combined and smooth.
5
Wrap the dough in cling film and refrigerate for a minimum of one hour, allowing the flavors to meld.
6
Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F) and prepare a baking tray by greasing it or lining it with baking paper.
7
Roll out the dough evenly on the prepared baking tray, achieving a thickness of approximately 2 cm.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, then remove from the oven. While still hot, cut the dough into rectangle shapes measuring around 2 cm by 4 cm.
9
Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack.
10
In a small saucepan, melt coconut fat over low heat until fully liquefied.
11
In a separate bowl, dissolve the instant coffee in rum, then stir this mixture into the melted coconut fat.
12
Add the sieved caster sugar to the fat and coffee mixture, thoroughly mixing until combined. If needed, add additional water a little at a time to achieve a smooth, brushable glaze.
13
Generously brush the cooled cookies with the coffee-rum glaze.
14
Store your Spiced Dutch Gingerbread Delights in an airtight container to preserve freshness.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Spiced Dutch Gingerbread Delights?
They are a modern version of traditional Swiss and German Magenbrot, a type of gingerbread known for being stomach-friendly and flavored with comforting spices.
What does the name Magenbrot mean?
Magenbrot translates to 'stomach-friendly bread,' reflecting its traditional reputation as a gentle, spice-filled treat.
What spices are used in this gingerbread recipe?
The recipe features a blend of cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, and a dash of nutmeg.
How do the cookies get their deep brown color?
The deep brown hue comes from using high-quality Dutch-processed cocoa powder.
What is the texture of these gingerbread delights?
These cookies are crafted to be firm yet tender, especially with the addition of a touch of butter.
What makes the glaze unique in this recipe?
The glaze is infused with a combination of instant coffee and rum, providing a rich and sophisticated finish.
How should the honey and sugar be prepared?
Combine honey, butter, and brown sugar in a pot and heat until the sugar fully dissolves.
When should the egg be added to the dough?
The egg should be mixed into the honey and butter mixture after it has been removed from the heat and the sugar has dissolved.
How do I incorporate the dry ingredients?
Whisk the flour, cocoa powder, and spices together in a separate bowl, then gradually stir them into the honey mixture.
What is potash and how is it used here?
Potash is a leavening agent that should be dissolved in rose water before being kneaded into the dough.
Does the dough need to be chilled?
Yes, the dough should be wrapped in cling film and refrigerated for a minimum of one hour to allow the flavors to meld.
At what temperature should the gingerbread be baked?
Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F) for baking.
How thick should I roll the dough?
The dough should be rolled out evenly to a thickness of approximately 2 cm.
How long does it take to bake?
The gingerbread should bake for about 20 minutes.
When is the best time to cut the cookies into shapes?
Cut the dough into 2 cm by 4 cm rectangles while it is still hot from the oven.
What kind of fat is used for the glaze?
The glaze uses 20g of solid coconut fat, melted until liquefied.
How is the coffee-rum mixture prepared for the glaze?
Dissolve 2 teaspoons of instant coffee in 2 tablespoons of rum before stirring it into the melted coconut fat.
What type of sugar is used in the glaze?
The glaze requires 150g of sieved caster sugar.
How do I adjust the consistency of the glaze?
If the glaze is too thick, add additional water a little at a time until it reaches a smooth, brushable consistency.
When should the glaze be applied?
Generously brush the glaze onto the cookies once they have cooled completely on a wire rack.
How should these cookies be stored?
Store the Spiced Dutch Gingerbread Delights in an airtight container to maintain their freshness.
Is rose water necessary for this recipe?
Yes, rose water is used to dissolve the potash and contributes to the traditional flavor profile.
Can I use regular cocoa powder?
While Dutch-processed cocoa is recommended for the specific color and flavor, regular cocoa can be used as a substitute.
What is the purpose of kneading the dough?
Kneading ensures the dissolved potash and rose water are well combined and that the dough becomes smooth.
Is this recipe suitable for the holidays?
Absolutely, it is a traditional Christmas cookie recipe perfect for holiday tables and gifting.
How many ingredients are required in total?
The recipe uses 17 ingredients including spices, liquids, and pantry staples.
What is the size of each cookie?
Each cookie is typically cut into a rectangle measuring 2 cm by 4 cm.
Do I need to grease the baking tray?
Yes, you should either grease the tray or line it with baking paper to prevent sticking.
Can I omit the rum in the glaze?
If you prefer an alcohol-free version, you can substitute the rum with additional water or a flavored extract.
What makes this a 'modern rendition' of Magenbrot?
The addition of butter for richness and the specific coffee-rum glaze are modern touches to the classic recipe.