Caraway Cookies

Caraway Cookies Recipe from Germany | Butter, Sugar, Egg, Flour, and Caraway Seeds

Region / culture: Germany | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 24

Introduction

Caraway cookies are a delightful treat that are perfect for any occasion. These cookies are flavored with caraway seeds, which give them a unique and slightly spicy flavor. They are easy to make and are sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

History

Caraway cookies have been enjoyed for centuries in various cultures around the world. Caraway seeds have long been used in cooking and baking, and they add a delicious flavor to these cookies. The combination of caraway seeds with sugar and butter creates a tasty and aromatic cookie that is perfect for snacking or dessert.

Ingredients

0.5 cup of butter or shortening
1 cup of sugar
1 egg
2 cups of flour
2 tsp of baking powder
0.5 tsp of salt
0.75 cup of milk
1 and a half tablespoons of caraway seeds

How to prepare

First, cream the butter or shortening with the sugar.
Next, add the beaten egg. Mix and sift the flour, baking powder, and salt, and add them alternately with the milk to the first mixture.
Then, add the caraway seeds.
Toss the mixture on a lightly floured board.
Roll it out to about one-half inch thickness and cut it into fancy shapes.
Place the shapes on a greased baking sheet and bake them in a moderate oven at 380-390°F (199°C) for twelve to fifteen minutes.

Variations

Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm and spicy flavor.
Substitute the caraway seeds with poppy seeds for a different twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to cream the butter or shortening with the sugar until light and fluffy for the best texture in your cookies.

- Be sure to roll out the dough to the correct thickness to ensure even baking.

- Keep an eye on the cookies while they are baking, as they can easily overcook and become dry.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy these caraway cookies with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful snack.

Cooking Techniques

Creaming the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy is essential for a tender cookie.

- Rolling out the dough to the correct thickness ensures even baking.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use butter instead of shortening for a richer flavor.

- If you don't have caraway seeds, you can use fennel seeds as a substitute.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the dough for these cookies ahead of time and refrigerate it until you are ready to bake them.

Presentation Ideas

Serve these caraway cookies on a decorative plate for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

These cookies pair well with a hot cup of tea or coffee.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They can also be frozen for longer storage.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of caraway cookies contains approximately 150 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of caraway cookies contains approximately 20 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of caraway cookies contains approximately 8 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of caraway cookies contains approximately 2 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Caraway seeds are a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin K, and calcium.

Alergens

These cookies contain dairy and gluten.

Summary

Caraway cookies are a delicious treat that are relatively low in calories and provide a small amount of protein and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Caraway cookies are a delicious and unique treat that are perfect for any occasion. With their aromatic flavor and tender texture, these cookies are sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy them with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful snack.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, it left a lasting impression on me. It was a cool autumn day, the leaves crunching beneath my feet as I made my way to the local farmer's market. The air was filled with the scent of spices and baked goods, enticing me to explore the various stalls.

As I wandered through the market, I came across a little old lady selling an array of homemade treats. Her wrinkled hands expertly rolled out dough and sprinkled sugar with a practiced precision that only comes from years of experience. One particular cookie caught my eye - a delicate little morsel topped with a sprinkling of caraway seeds.

Intrigued, I struck up a conversation with the old lady, asking about the unique flavor of the cookies. She smiled warmly and explained that caraway seeds were her secret ingredient, passed down to her from her own grandmother. She shared the recipe with me, her eyes twinkling with a mischievous glint as she whispered, "These cookies will bring you luck and happiness, my dear."

I couldn't wait to try out the recipe for myself. As soon as I got home, I gathered the ingredients and set to work in my own kitchen. The aroma of caraway seeds filled the air, making my mouth water in anticipation. The dough came together easily, each step feeling like a familiar dance that I had performed many times before.

As the cookies baked in the oven, I could hardly contain my excitement. When they emerged golden and fragrant, I knew I had stumbled upon a truly special recipe. The caraway seeds added a subtle yet distinctive flavor that set these cookies apart from any other I had ever tasted.

I shared the cookies with my family, watching as their faces lit up with delight. Each bite brought a sense of comfort and nostalgia, as if the cookies held a piece of history within their crumbly exterior. From that moment on, caraway cookies became a staple in our household, a reminder of the old lady at the farmer's market and the wisdom she had shared with me.

Over the years, I continued to perfect the recipe, tweaking it here and there to suit my own tastes. I experimented with different types of flour, varying the amount of sugar, and even adding a hint of citrus zest for a surprising twist. Each batch turned out better than the last, with the caraway seeds always playing a starring role in the symphony of flavors.

I began to share the recipe with friends and neighbors, spreading the joy of caraway cookies far and wide. I would often be asked for the secret ingredient, to which I would simply smile and reply, "It's all in the seeds."

As time passed, the recipe evolved and grew with me. I added my own touches and embellishments, making it truly my own. But no matter how many variations I tried, the essence of the original recipe remained unchanged - a testament to the enduring power of tradition and family.

Now, as I pass on the recipe to my own grandchildren, I feel a sense of pride and accomplishment. The simple act of baking cookies has become a link to the past, a way to connect with my roots and honor those who came before me. And as my grandchildren bite into a caraway cookie for the first time, I know that they too will be captivated by its magic, just as I was all those years ago at the farmer's market.