Czech Christmas Cookies

We have the Dutch to thank for the word “cookie” — it derives from “koekje,” meaning “little cake,” a reference to the possible origin of this irresistable treat as a small test sample for cake batter. The Chinese fortune cookie is said to have been invented by soldiers sending secret messages to foil the invading enemy as far back as the 12th century. Italians created biscotti for sailors to take with them on their worldwide voyages of discovery beginning in the 13th century, and accompanied Christopher Columbus on his journeys to the <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 />New World. But when it comes to Christmas cookies, our German neighbors rightfully stake their claim to fame.<?xml:namespace prefix = u1 />

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“By the 1500’s, Christmas cookies had caught on all over Europe. German families baked up pans of Lebkuchen and butter Spritz cookies. Pappakakor (spicy ginger and black-pepper delights) were favorites in Sweden; the Norwegians made krumkake (thin lemon and cardamon-scented wafers). The earliest Christmas cookies in America came ashore with the Dutch in the early 1600’s…but it wasn’t until the 1930’s that whimsically shaped cutters made of tin became less expensive and more abundant — and the Christmas cookie boom began.”

Prepare the dough with the ingredients listed above, then set aside for 30 minutes to cool in the fridge. After this spread the dough evenly on a baking tray. – Heat up the butter, sugar, water and vanilla sugar in a pan, so that the ingredients melt and bring to the boil. Add the ground and chopped hazelnuts stir and set aside to cool. Afterwards spread the mass onto the dough and bake for 20 – 25 minutes at a temperature of about 200 – 220 degrees C. These times might need to be adjusted according to your oven. Straight after baking, cut the mass into medium size triangles and brush the edges with the chocolate frosting/icing.

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