Delight your holiday guests this season with a classic German Christmas baking recipe known as Mürbeteig Taler, translating to Shortcrust Coins. These delicious buttery treats are perfect for enjoying with a cup of tea or as a charming addition to your holiday cookie platter. The delicate texture of the shortcrust paired with a hint of sweetness makes them simply irresistible. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe for Mürbeteig Taler and bring a touch of German tradition to your festive celebrations.
**Ingredients:**
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
– 1 egg yolk
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
– Jam or preserves of your choice for filling (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt until well combined.
2. Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs and there are no large chunks of butter remaining.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolk and vanilla extract. Gradually add this mixture to the flour and butter mixture, stirring until the dough starts to come together.
4. Once the dough begins to form, transfer it onto a clean, floured surface. Gently knead the dough just until it comes together, being careful not to overwork it.
5. Flatten the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow it to firm up.
6. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
7. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use your favorite cookie cutters to cut out shapes. For Mürbeteig Taler, circles work best to create the traditional “coins.”
8. Transfer the cut-out cookies to the prepared baking sheet, leaving a bit of space between each cookie.
9. If desired, you can make a small indentation in the center of each cookie and fill it with a teaspoon of jam or preserves for a delightful burst of flavor.
10. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until they are just starting to turn golden around the edges.
11. Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
12. Once cooled, you can dust the Mürbeteig Taler with powdered sugar for a beautiful finish and an extra touch of sweetness.
These Mürbeteig Taler Shortcrust Coins are not only delicious but also a wonderful way to showcase your baking skills this holiday season. Whether enjoyed with a warm beverage by the fire or shared with loved ones as a thoughtful gift, these traditional German cookies are sure to bring joy and cheer wherever they go. Embrace the festive spirit and create lasting memories with this delightful recipe. Happy baking!
