Basler Läckerli

Name: Basler Läckerli
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 24 servings
Cuisine: Swiss
Ingredients: 250g honey; 150g sugar; Zest of 1 lemon; 50g candied orange peel, finely diced; 50g candied lemon peel, finely diced; 100g almonds, chopped; 350g all-purpose flour; 1 tsp cinnamon; 1/2 tsp ground cloves; 1/2 tsp nutmeg; 1 tsp baking powder; 2 tbsp kirsch; Glaze: 150g powdered sugar, 2 tbsp water

Basler Läckerli (BAH-zler LEHK-er-lee)

Basel Honey Spice Cookies

⏱ Prep Time 30 min + resting

📈 Difficulty Medium

👥 Servings

🔥 Calories 120 kcal

Chewy, glazed gingerbread-like cookies from Basel, studded with candied orange peel, almonds, and warm spices, finished with a crackly sugar glaze.

Nutrition & Info

Protein 2.0g

Carbs 20.0g

Fat 3.5g

Protein Carbs Fat

Dietary

vegetarian vegan dairy-free

Allergen Warnings

⚠ gluten ⚠ tree nuts ⚠ eggs

Equipment Needed

baking sheet saucepan rolling pin sharp knife

Presentation Guide

Vessel: decorative tin

Garnishes: sugar glaze

Accompaniments: coffee, tea

Ingredients

250g honey
150g sugar
Zest of 1 lemon
50g candied orange peel, finely diced
50g candied lemon peel, finely diced
100g almonds, chopped
350g all-purpose flour
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground cloves
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1 tsp baking powder
2 tbsp kirsch
Glaze: 150g powdered sugar, 2 tbsp water

Instructions

1
Heat honey and sugar in a saucepan until sugar dissolves. Cool slightly.
2
Mix flour, spices, and baking powder. Add candied peels and almonds.
3
Pour warm honey into dry ingredients with kirsch. Mix to a firm dough.
4
Roll dough 1cm thick on a lined baking sheet.
5
Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 20-25 min until golden.
6
Mix powdered sugar with water to make a thin glaze. Brush over hot cookies immediately.
7
Cut into rectangles while still warm. Let cool completely until glaze is set.

💡

Did You Know?

During the Council of Basel in 1431, these spiced cookies were offered to visiting dignitaries, earning them the name Läckerli meaning "little delicacy."

Chef's Notes

Equipment Tips

baking sheet
saucepan
rolling pin
sharp knife

Garnishing

sugar glaze

Accompaniments

coffee, tea

The Story Behind Basler Läckerli

Basler Läckerli date to at least the 15th century when Basel's strategic position on trade routes brought exotic spices to the city. The cookies were originally baked for the ecclesiastical Council of Basel in 1431 and became permanently associated with the city. Today they remain Basel's most famous culinary export, sold in distinctive tins at the original Läckerli Huus bakery founded in 1903.

🕐 Traditionally enjoyed christmas, fasnacht carnival 📜 Origins: 15th century

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