Basler Brunsli (Swiss Chocolate Almond Spice Cookies)
These Swiss almond-chocolate cookies are a holiday favorite, perfect for anyone who loves rich, chewy treats. Made with ground almonds, bittersweet chocolate, and a hint of warm spices, Basler Brunsli are naturally gluten-free and full of flavor. Their simple yet elegant heart shapes and delicate texture make them a festive addition to any cookie platter. Best of all, they can be made ahead of time and stored for weeks, allowing the flavors to develop even further!
Servings: 32 cookies
Ingredients
- 3 cups raw almonds
- 9 oz bittersweet chocolate 50-70% cacao
- 1 ¾ cups confectioners' sugar
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground cloves
- 3 egg whites
- 1 tbsp kirsch or dark rum
- Granulated sugar for rolling
Instructions
- Grind almonds and chocolate separately in a food processor. Combine in a large bowl.
- Add sugar, salt, cinnamon, and cloves. Stir until combined.
- Stir in egg whites, one at a time, then add kirsch.
- Knead until well combined, cover with plastic wrap, and chill for 12-24 hours.
- Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Roll dough on sugared surface to ½ inch thickness. Cut out shapes and place on baking sheets.
- Bake for 18 minutes. Let cool on a rack.
- Store in an airtight tin for up to a month.
Notes
Chocolate Choice: Whether you go for high-quality dark chocolate or basic baking chocolate, either will work wonderfully in these cookies. The taste will be fantastic no matter your choice!
Shaping Tips: Keep the shapes simple—avoid using intricate cookie cutters, as the dough is on the coarser side. Opt for classic shapes like hearts, circles, or squares for the best results.
Substitute for Kirsch: Don’t have kirsch on hand? Dark rum makes a great alternative and will still provide the cookies with that rich, warm flavor.
Rolling Tip: When rolling out the dough, make sure to generously coat your work surface with sugar. It helps prevent sticking and gives the cookies a delightful hint of extra sweetness.
Nutrition
Serving: 1cookie | Calories: 152kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 0.5mg | Sodium: 42mg | Potassium: 149mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 4IU | Vitamin C: 0.001mg | Calcium: 42mg | Iron: 1mg