Aachener Printen

Ingredients

Potash (potassium carbonate)

1 teaspoon, dissolved in a little water

Nutmeg

1/2 teaspoon, ground

Anise

1/2 teaspoon, ground

Cloves

1/2 teaspoon, ground

Cinnamon

1 teaspoon, ground

Flour

3 cups

Butter

1/2 cup, unsalted

Brown sugar

3/4 cup

Honey

1/2 cup

Instructions

1. In a small saucepan, combine honey, brown sugar, and butter. Heat over medium heat until the sugar has completely dissolved. Remove the pan from heat and let it cool slightly.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and the ground spices (nutmeg, anise, cloves, and cinnamon).
3. Pour the warm honey mixture into the flour mixture. Add the dissolved potash. Knead the mixture until it forms a smooth dough.
4. Wrap the dough in cling film and let it rest at room temperature for at least 2 hours. For best results, let it rest overnight. This allows the flavors to meld together.
5. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
6. Roll out the dough to approximately 1 cm thickness. Cut the dough into rectangular shapes.
7. Place the rectangles on the prepared baking tray. Bake for 15 minutes, or until they turn a golden brown color.
8. Remove the Printen from the oven and let them cool completely. They will harden as they cool. Remember, the traditional Aachener Printen are meant to be hard, but they will soften over time.