Recipe: Indulge in traditional Swiss delight of Basler Brunsli cookies this Xmas

Native to Basel in Switzerland, Basler Brunsli cookies or “Little Brown Cookies” are a staple on the Swiss Christmas table where “bruns” means brown and “-li” stands for small and were served in Basel not only at Christmas but also during festivals and weddings. Though they reportedly originated in the 1700s, they are rapidly making their way into the rest of the world and now you can even whip up your own batch of Basler Brunsli cookies at home.

This Christmas, treat your guests to Basler Brunsli cookies which are traditional Swiss chocolate chewy and nutty cookies with a hint of spices. Check out their mouthwatering recipe below and thank us later.

Ingredients:

Sugar - 120g

Almond Meal - 200g

Pinch of Salt

Pinch of Mixed Spice (Nutmeg/Cinnamon/Clove/Ginger) It’s a mix of these spices

Cocoa Powder - 24g

Flour - 24g

Egg White - 56g

Dark couverture - 80g

Kirsch (warmed)/ Dark Rum - 15ml

Method:

Mix sugar, salt, spice, cocoa and flour together. Whisk egg whites to soft peaks. Using a dough hook gently, fold through dry ingredients. Add melted chocolate and warm Kirsch. Wrap in cling wrap and refrigerate overnight.

Roll down to 10mm and cut in crescent shape or with any festive cookie cutter. Use generous amount of castor sugar while rolling the dough. Bake at 180º C. Ideally 12-14 minutes depending upon the shape.

This particular cookie is moist and is not to be baked until completely crisp/crunchy. Cool down on wire racks and store in airtight containers. To be ideally consumed within a weeks’ time.

(Recipe: Mahesh Kini, Executive Chef, JW Marriott Bengaluru)

Cocoa has the capacity to stimulate the brain to release endorphins that helps elevate one’s mood. The unsweetened cacao powder is a source of magnesium and other minerals and lacks the high-calorie cocoa butter or sugars found in garden-variety chocolate.

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