These traditional Hartshorn cookies are a beloved German holiday treat, known for their intense anise flavor and unique crisp texture. Made with hartshorn (ammonium carbonate), these cookies puff up dramatically during baking before shrinking and hardening into delicate, crisp discs. The combination of sugar, shortening, and vanilla creates a rich base, while the anise seeds provide the signature aromatic punch. Perfect for stollen boxes and Christmas markets, these cookies pair beautifully with coffee or mulled wine. They are simple to make but require careful handling of the dough. A festive, nostalgic dessert that captures the essence of a German Christmas, these cookies are sure to become a holiday tradition in your home.
Hartshorn German Christmas Cookies
Description
These traditional Hartshorn cookies are a beloved German holiday treat, known for their intense anise flavor and unique crisp texture. Made with hartshorn (ammonium carbonate), these cookies puff up dramatically during baking before shrinking and hardening into delicate, crisp discs. The combination of sugar, shortening, and vanilla creates a rich base, while the anise seeds provide the signature aromatic punch. Perfect for stollen boxes and Christmas markets, these cookies pair beautifully with coffee or mulled wine. They are simple to make but require careful handling of the dough. A festive, nostalgic dessert that captures the essence of a German Christmas, these cookies are sure to become a holiday tradition in your home.Ingredients
Directions
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In a large mixing bowl, cream together the sugar, salt, and shortening until light and fluffy.
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Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then mix in the milk.
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In a small heat-proof bowl, dissolve the hartshorn crystals completely in the boiling water.
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Stir the vanilla extract and anise seeds into the sugar mixture.
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Pour the dissolved hartshorn mixture into the wet ingredients and mix briefly.
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Gradually add flour to the mixture, mixing until the dough is stiff enough to handle but not sticky.
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Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently until smooth.
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Roll the dough out to about 1/4-inch thickness on a floured surface.
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Cut the dough into shapes using cookie cutters or cut into small squares.
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Place cookies on ungreased baking sheets, ensuring they are spaced apart as they will spread.
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Bake immediately in a preheated 350&# 194;°F (175ðC) oven for 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden.
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Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 100
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 1132.2kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 70.9g110%
- Saturated Fat 24.2g121%
- Cholesterol 94.5mg32%
- Sodium 2493.9mg104%
- Total Carbohydrate 124.9g42%
- Dietary Fiber 0.8g4%
- Sugars 123.6g
- Protein 5.6g12%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
