Warm up your holiday season with a delightful German Christmas baking recipe. These Punsch Plätzchen, or Punch Cookies, are a classic festive treat that will fill your home with the comforting scents of the season. These cookies are reminiscent of a warm cup of punch, evoking memories of cozy gatherings around the fireplace. With a delicate balance of sweet and spiced flavors, they are sure to become a beloved tradition in your home. Let’s get baking!
### Punsch Plätzchen Punch Cookies
**Ingredients:**
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup butter, softened
– 1 egg
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– Zest of 1 orange
– 1/4 cup rum (optional)
– Powdered sugar, for dusting
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat the Oven**: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. **Mix Dry Ingredients**: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, cloves, nutmeg, and cinnamon until well combined.
3. **Cream Butter and Sugar**: In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4. **Incorporate Egg and Orange Zest**: Add the egg and orange zest to the butter-sugar mixture, mixing well.
5. **Combine Wet and Dry**: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until a soft dough forms. If desired, add the rum to the dough for an extra kick of flavor.
6. **Roll and Cut**: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to a 1/4-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out your desired shapes (traditional shapes include stars, hearts, and trees).
7. **Bake**: Arrange the cut-out cookies on the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
8. **Cool and Dust**: Allow the cookies to cool on a wire rack. Once cooled, dust the cookies generously with powdered sugar for a snowy finish.
9. **Serve and Enjoy**: Serve the Punsch Plätzchen Punch Cookies with your favorite holiday beverage or pack them in a festive tin to gift to friends and family.
These Punsch Plätzchen Punch Cookies are a delightful addition to any holiday gathering, bringing a taste of German Christmas tradition to your home. Whether you enjoy them as a sweet accompaniment to a cup of tea or share them with loved ones, these cookies are sure to spread joy and warmth throughout the season. Embrace the spirit of the holidays with a batch of these aromatic and flavorful treats. Wishing you a cozy and delicious holiday season!
