Winter is a magical time of year when the kitchen fills with the warm scents of baking, and memories are made around the table. One delicious treat that captures the essence of the holiday season is the traditional German Christmas recipe for Dominosteine, or Domino Squares. These delightful confections feature layers of gingerbread, marzipan, and chocolate, creating a harmonious blend of flavors that is sure to please both young and old alike.
Dominosteine (Domino Squares)
Ingredients:
– 200g honey
– 100g sugar
– 150g butter
– 300g all-purpose flour
– 50g cocoa powder
– 1 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/2 tsp ground cloves
– 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
– 1/2 tsp baking powder
– 200g marzipan
– 200g bittersweet chocolate, chopped
– 1 tbsp vegetable oil
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, heat the honey, sugar, and butter over low heat, stirring until the sugar is dissolved and the butter is melted. Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly.
2. In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and baking powder. Gradually pour the honey mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring until a smooth dough forms. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until firm.
3. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to a thickness of about 1/4 inch. Cut the dough into small squares, about 1 inch in size, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Roll out the marzipan to the same thickness as the dough and cut it into squares of the same size. Place a piece of marzipan on top of each gingerbread square.
5. Bake the Dominosteine in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the gingerbread is firm to the touch. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely on a wire rack.
6. In a heatproof bowl set over a pot of simmering water, melt the chopped chocolate with the vegetable oil, stirring until smooth. Dip each Dominostein into the melted chocolate to coat all sides, then place them back on the parchment paper to set.
7. Allow the chocolate to harden before serving the Dominosteine. These festive treats can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week, but they are best enjoyed fresh.
Dominosteine are a beloved holiday tradition in Germany, and now you can bring the magic of these Domino Squares into your own home with this easy-to-follow recipe. Whether you share them with loved ones or keep them all to yourself, these rich and indulgent treats are sure to add a touch of sweetness to your holiday celebrations. Enjoy the process of making these delightful Christmas confections and savor every bite of the delicious layers of gingerbread, marzipan, and chocolate.
