In the heart of Switzerland lies a culinary treasure that has captivated taste buds for generations: Chrabeli, also known as Swiss anise cookies. These delectable treats are a symphony of flavors and textures, combining the aromatic warmth of anise with a delicate sweetness and a crispy outer shell that yields to a soft and chewy interior. Chrabeli are not just any cookies; they are a cherished part of Swiss heritage, often served during festive occasions and enjoyed as a sweet companion to a warm cup of coffee or tea. Our article presents a collection of three enticing Chrabeli recipes that showcase the versatility of these cookies. From the classic Chrabeli recipe that stays true to tradition to variations that incorporate a hint of lemon zest or a touch of chocolate, each recipe offers a unique taste experience. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, our step-by-step instructions and detailed ingredient lists ensure that you can recreate these Swiss delights in your own kitchen.
Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!
ANISKRABELI AND ANISBROETLI (SWISS COOKIES WITH ANISE)
These Swiss cookies have been baked since medieval times! For Krabeli you do not need the fancy molds (stamps).
Provided by Artandkitchen
Categories Dessert
Time P1DT30m
Yield 100 cookies
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Mix sugar and eggs using a blender until they are very soft.
- Add the remaining ingredients and knead into dough.
- For Aniskrabeli form on a floured surface rolls 1.5 cm (½ inch) thick. Cut pieces of 4-5 centimeters (2 inch) of length. Make 3 oblique cuts and fold your cookies slightly (like in the picture).
- For Anisbroetli you need a stamp. In this case roll out your dough on a floured surface or make small balls with your hands. Print the shape with your favorite stamp.
- Put the small pieces onto a baking tray and dry for about 12- 24 hours at room temperature (this step is essential!).
- Bake them for 15-25 minutes with 150 degrees Celsius (300F). These cookies shouldn't turn brown! (heat and timing are basing it on convection oven).
- Let them cool down and enjoy.
SWISS ANISE CHRISTMAS COOKIES
Anise Cookies are one of the most popular and beloved Swiss Christmas cookies! They have a unique flavor, are very crisp, yet have a soft core!
Provided by Aline Cueni
Categories Dessert
Time P1DT1h
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Toast the anise seeds for a few minutes in a skillet over medium heat until fragrant. Coarsely grind them in a mortar and set aside. → Those two steps enhance the anise flavor!
- Beat the eggs, powdered sugar, and salt in the bowl of a stand mixer until white and fluffy (takes about 3-5 minutes).
- Stir in anise seeds.
- Add flour and stir using a spatula until just combined.
- Place the dough on a lightly floured surface and form/roll the dough into ½-inch (1 ½ cm) thick rolls. → This is about the thickness of a finger.
- Cut the rolls into 2-inch (5 cm) pieces. Make two cuts and shape them into a half-moon (see pictures in the blog post's step-by-step instructions). Transfer to the lined baking sheets and let them dry at room temperature for 24 hours. → Don't cover, and don't leave at a place with a draft.
- Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C). Bake the cookies in the lower third of the oven, with the oven door slightly ajar, for 15-20 minutes.→ Stick a wooden spoon between the oven and the door!
- Remove from the oven, allow cookies to cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet, and then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 37 kcal, Carbohydrate 8 g, Protein 1 g, Cholesterol 7 mg, Sodium 14 mg, Sugar 4 g, Fat 1 g, SaturatedFat 1 g, Fiber 1 g, ServingSize 1 serving
CHRABELI (SWISS ANISE CRESCENT COOKIES)
Chrabeli are delicious Swiss anise crescent cookies. Beware if you're looking for a quick recipe--these must rest for several weeks before they are ready to be eaten.
Provided by Cindy Krafft
Categories Swiss Recipes
Time P18DT40m
Yield 30
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- In a large bowl, beat the eggs and sugar together with an electric mixer until thick and pale, about 10 minutes. Stir in the kirsch, salt, and anise seed. Use a sturdy spoon to stir in the flour. Add additional flour if needed to form a soft dough. Cover the dough with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight.
- Divide the dough into two 1/2 inch thick ropes, and cut each rope into 2 inch long pieces. Place the pieces onto the prepared baking sheet, and cut three diagonal slits into one side of each piece. Bend the cookies to open the slits, flaring out the cuts. Cover loosely with a tea towel and allow to dry in a cool area for 24 hours.
- Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Lightly grease a baking sheet.
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. They should not turn brown on top, and be only lightly colored on the bottom. Remove from the oven, and let stand in a cool place for 3 or 4 days. They will be rock hard at first, but will soften over time. Place the cookies in a cookie tin separated by sheets of waxed paper. Age 2 to 3 weeks to allow the flavor to mature.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 67.8 calories, Carbohydrate 14.3 g, Cholesterol 18.6 mg, Fat 0.6 g, Fiber 0.2 g, Protein 1.2 g, SaturatedFat 0.2 g, Sodium 20.1 mg, Sugar 10 g
Tips:
- Use high-quality ingredients. The better the ingredients, the better the cookies will be.
- Make sure the butter and eggs are cold before you start baking. This will help keep the cookies from spreading too much.
- Don't overmix the dough. Overmixing will make the cookies tough.
- Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This will help the cookies hold their shape.
- Bake the cookies in a preheated oven. This will help them bake evenly.
- Let the cookies cool completely before storing them. This will help them keep their shape and flavor.
Conclusion:
Swiss anise cookies, also known as Chrabeli, are a delicious and festive treat that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. They are perfect for Christmas, holiday parties, or any other special occasion. With their unique flavor and delicate texture, these cookies are sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them.
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