**Bethmaennchen: A Journey Through History and Flavors**
Bethmaennchen, also known as Bethmännchen or Bethmännchen-Plätzchen, are traditional German Christmas cookies with a captivating history and a symphony of flavors. Originating from the city of Frankfurt, these delicate treats have been enjoyed for centuries, gracing festive tables and capturing hearts with their unique almond paste filling and distinctive appearance. In this article, we embark on a culinary adventure, exploring the intriguing history of Bethmaennchen and presenting two enticing recipes: the classic Bethmaennchen and the modern interpretation with a hint of orange zest. Get ready to immerse yourself in a world of marzipan, powdered sugar, and the sweet spirit of Christmas.
BETHMAENNCHEN (GERMAN MARZIPAN CHRISTMAS COOKIES)
Bethmännchen are a marzipan specialty from Frankfurt, Germany. It translates to "little praying men". They can easily be made at home, It's important to only use very neatly halved almonds for good-looking Bethmännchen.
Provided by nch
Time 45m
Yield 40
Number Of Ingredients 3
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 200 degrees F (95 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Knead marzipan well and divide into about forty 1 1/2-inch cubes of equal size. Roll each cube into a ball and shape into a round cylinder with a point.
- Push 3 halved almonds into each marzipan cylinder so the pointy sides of the almonds are facing the top.
- Beat egg white lightly in a cup and brush each cookie with egg white. Set onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake in the preheated until the tops of the almonds are lightly browned, about 15 minutes. Cool on a wire rack. Store in airtight containers.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 51.6 calories, Carbohydrate 6.3 g, Fat 2.7 g, Fiber 0.7 g, Protein 1.2 g, SaturatedFat 0.1 g, Sodium 2.6 mg, Sugar 5.5 g
BETHMAENNCHEN - GERMAN CHRISTMAS COOKIES
My family first had these yummy almond cookies (pronounced "BAIT-men-chen") when a German exchange student made them for us at Christmas time so she could have a taste of home. She blanched, skinned, and halved the almonds herself, which took most of the preparation time. When pressed for time I have substituted store-bought chopped almonds, but I'm told that that's anathema for anyone who wants the real thing. This prep time excludes preparing the almonds.
Provided by LightEra
Categories Dessert
Time 40m
Yield 40 cookies
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Finely grind the measured almonds.
- Break the marzipan dough into small pieces and mix with one of the eggs, rosewater, powdered sugar, ground almonds and flour.
- Separate the remaining egg and beat the yolk, set aside.
- Form marzipan mixture into balls the size of walnuts.
- Press three almond halves onto the sides of each ball. The almonds should stand up and down and be evenly spaced around the ball.
- Brush each ball with the beaten yolk and place on a cookie sheet.
- Place cookie sheet on the middle rack and bake 15 minutes until golden brown.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 39, Fat 2.6, SaturatedFat 0.2, Cholesterol 7.1, Sodium 2.8, Carbohydrate 3, Fiber 0.6, Sugar 1.6, Protein 1.4
BETHMAENNCHEN (TRADITIONAL GERMAN MARZIPANE COOKIE)
This sweet, soft cookie is very popular during the holiday season in Germany and can be found on almost every cookie tray. It is super easy to make, too. Traditionally it uses three almonds per cookie, but we prefer to use just one, so this is a bit different than the others. If you like, try these with other nuts or maybe a flavoured marzipane. NOTE: These need to chill for 30 minutes.
Provided by Lalaloula
Categories Dessert
Time 40m
Yield 40 cookies
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- In a large bowl beat egg white and powdered sugar with a wire whisk until thick and creamy. You may also use your electric mixer for this, but be careful not to overbeat the egg whites, you dont want them to form peaks. Add the ground nuts or almonds and stir to combine.
- Knead in the marzipan until a soft, but not too sticky dough forms. If dough is too sticky to handle, add a few more tbs ground nuts until the consistency is easy to work with.
- Chill dough for about 30 minutes.
- With dampened hands (this is important, you have to redampen your hands every once in a while or this will turn into a nightmare) form 40 small balls and place them on a paper lined cookie sheet.
- In a small bowl beat the egg yolk, then use this to glaze each cookie.
- Press one whole blanched almond atop each cookie.
- Bake in the preheated oven at 150°C/300°F for about 20 minutes or until nicely browned, but not too dry.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 23.6, Fat 0.1, Cholesterol 4.7, Sodium 1.9, Carbohydrate 5.6, Sugar 5.5, Protein 0.2
BETHMAENNCHEN (MARZIPAN COOKIES)
A tasty German cooky made popular in Frankfurt over 200 years ago. I love marzipan, so this is one of my favorites!
Provided by Carolyn Haas
Categories Cookies
Time 40m
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- 1. Preheat to 300ºF Break marzipan into small pieces in a mixing bowl. Sift the powdered sugar over the marzipan and add the ground almonds, flour, rose water and egg white. Use your hands to combine ingredients in to a dough. (The dough will be somewhat sticky but it will get firm after being chilled. If too sticky, add some more ground almonds and powdered sugar.)
- 2. Wrap the cookie dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour.
- 3. Roll the dough into small balls, about the size of walnuts. Place the balls on a lined cookie sheet and press 3 almond halves evenly around each cookie, pointed side up.
- 4. Brush each cookie with the egg yolk mixture and bake for about 15 minutes until the egg wash turns golden in color. Cool completely on wire rack. Store in an airtight container.
Tips:
- Mise en place: Before you start baking, make sure you have all the ingredients and equipment you need. This will help you stay organized and avoid any mishaps.
- Use high-quality ingredients: The quality of your ingredients will greatly affect the taste of your cookies. Use the best marzipan, butter, and flour that you can find.
- Chill the dough before baking: This will help the cookies hold their shape and prevent them from spreading too much in the oven.
- Bake the cookies until they are just set: Overbaking will make the cookies dry and crumbly. Keep an eye on them in the oven and take them out as soon as they are done.
- Let the cookies cool completely before decorating: This will help the frosting set properly and prevent it from smudging.
Conclusion:
Bethmaennchen are a delicious and festive German Christmas cookie that is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. With their delicate almond flavor and colorful decorations, these cookies are sure to be a hit at any holiday party or gathering. Whether you make them with the traditional marzipan filling or try one of the variations, you are sure to enjoy these delicious cookies.
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