**Amerikaner: A Sweet Delight from German Bakeries**
Amerikaner, also known as "Amerikanische Plätzchen" or "Amerikanische Butterplätzchen," are delectable German vanilla biscuits that have captured the hearts of many. These cookies, characterized by their soft and crumbly texture, are a staple in German bakeries and homes, often enjoyed during festive occasions like Christmas and Easter. Their unique flavor profile, a harmonious blend of vanilla and citrus, sets them apart from other traditional German cookies. While the name "Amerikaner" suggests an American origin, these cookies are a testament to Germany's rich baking heritage. In this article, we present two delightful recipes for Amerikaner: a classic version and a modern interpretation with a hint of lemon zest. Both recipes are detailed and easy to follow, ensuring that home bakers of all skill levels can recreate these delectable treats in their own kitchens.
"AMERIKANER" (GERMAN VANILLA BISCUIT)
This famous sweet biscuit literally translates into American, referring to the GIs baking this biscuit in Germany after WW II. It has a fluffy soft texture and a wonderfully vanilla taste. Typically it is covered with a lemon icing (and I will give that option here), but I like it way better without. So do as you please. :)
Provided by Lalaloula
Categories Dessert
Time 25m
Yield 12 biscuits
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F.
- In a big bowl cream butter, sugar and vanilla. Little by little add the milk and the eggs.
- In a second bowl mix flour, baking powder and starch. Add to the butter-mixture and stirr in until just blended.
- Using 2 tablespoons drop 6 heaps of dough onto each paper-lined baking sheet (you will need 2). Make sure to leave enough space in between the heaps as dough will spread during baking.
- Bake for 15 minutes or until golden brown. Transfer to a wire-rack and allow to cool.
- If using the glaze stir together icing sugar and lemon juice and spread this onto the even side of the Amerikaner.
- Idea: For children you can spread the curved side of the biscuit with a chocolate icing and stick slivered almonds into them to make them appear like little hedgehogs. :).
VANILLA BISCUITS (COOKIES)
These are the BEST cookies you will ever eat, this is actually a secret recipe that my Granny refused to give up, but after me complaining that it wasn't fair that we only ever got them when we ome home to New Zealand, which isn't ery often, she gave it up, YEY!!! I have it now and I am going to share it
Provided by Perfect Pixie
Categories Dessert
Time 25m
Yield 12-16 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- cream butter, sugar and essence.
- add egg.
- then add dry ingredients.
- roll into balls.
- place on cold greased trays.
- press down with a fork.
- bake 15-20 minutes at 190 degrees.
- or 12-15 minutes for me because I have and aga.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 226.7, Fat 9, SaturatedFat 5.5, Cholesterol 37.8, Sodium 111.2, Carbohydrate 34.5, Fiber 0.7, Sugar 19.2, Protein 2.7
AMERIKANER
Kind of a cookie or is it cake, the size of an open finger spread hand, best if glazed in black and white (chocolate and vanilla). A treat we got as children when we were very very good.
Provided by Renate
Categories Dessert
Time 40m
Yield 10 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 17
Steps:
- Mix all dry ingredients together.
- Mix together water, milk, eggs, and extracts.
- Cream butter.
- Mix in sugar, a little at a time.
- Add liquid ingredients, mix well.
- Add dry ingredients in several steps, blend well after each.
- The dough needs to be fairly firm, not like cookie dough but drier than cake dough, if it is too runny add a little more flour.
- Put dough about two tablespoons on a greased cookie sheet, don't place too close together as this will spread.
- Bake in a preheated 300ºF to 325ºF oven for 15 to 20 minutes.
- After about 10 minutes in the oven brush the exposed side with some milk.
- Finish baking till the dough turns a golden brown, don't overbake.
- Light Glaze:.
- Mix powdered sugar with enough water to make a spreadable mass, you can't mess this one up, too thin- more sugar, too thick- more water.
- Dark Glaze:.
- Mix powdered sugar and cocoa and proceed as for light glaze.
- Glaza the underside of the Amerikaner with either or both glazes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 352.1, Fat 10.8, SaturatedFat 6.3, Cholesterol 67.3, Sodium 249.9, Carbohydrate 59.4, Fiber 0.9, Sugar 33.7, Protein 4.8
AMERICAN BISCUITS
They might be known as biscuits in America, but they taste like a savoury scone and are perfect for scooping up chowder sauce
Provided by Emma Lewis
Categories Dinner, Side dish
Time 30m
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Heat oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Tip the flour, sugar, bicarbonate of soda and a good pinch of salt into a large bowl or food processor. Rub in the butter with your fingers or whizz in a food processor until fine crumbs form. Stir in the buttermilk until you get a moist dough.
- Turn out onto a lightly floured surface, then knead once or twice to bring the mixture together. Pat out the dough with your hands until 1cm thick and roughly 20cm by 10cm. Cut in half lengthwise, then cut each half into 6 triangles, dipping your knife in flour before each cut to prevent it from sticking.
- Place on a baking sheet, arranging them about 5cm apart. Brush over the tops with milk or cream, then cook in the oven for 10-12 mins until risen and golden brown. Leave to cool a little before serving.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 584 calories, Fat 24 grams fat, SaturatedFat 15 grams saturated fat, Carbohydrate 85 grams carbohydrates, Sugar 14 grams sugar, Fiber 3 grams fiber, Protein 12 grams protein, Sodium 1.58 milligram of sodium
Tips:
- Use high-quality ingredients: Fresh butter, pure vanilla extract, and fine sugar will give your Amerikaner the best flavor.
- Follow the recipe carefully: Don't skip any steps or ingredients, as this can affect the texture and flavor of your cookies.
- Be patient: Making Amerikaner takes time and patience. Don't rush the process, or your cookies won't turn out as well.
- Let the dough chill: Chilling the dough before baking helps to develop its flavor and makes it easier to work with.
- Bake the cookies until they are golden brown: Overbaking will make them dry and crumbly.
- Let the cookies cool completely before filling them: This will help to prevent the filling from melting and making the cookies soggy.
Conclusion:
Amerikaner are a delicious and traditional German cookie that is perfect for any occasion. They are easy to make, but they do take some time and patience. By following the tips above, you can make sure that your Amerikaner turn out perfect every time. So next time you're looking for a sweet treat, give this recipe a try!
Are you curently on diet or you just want to control your food's nutritions, ingredients? We will help you find recipes by cooking method, nutrition, ingredients...
Check it out »
You'll also love