Classic Kletskoppen

Kletskoppen

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Prep: 15 mins
Cook: 20 mins
Resting Time: 2 hrs
Total: 2 hrs 35 mins

These crunchy cookies are known as kletskoppen in the Netherlands and, rather poetically, as Brugse kant ("lace of Bruges") in Belgium, referring to the intricate lace the Belgian city is famous for, mimicked by the cookies' delicate design. 

This recipe is from Pastry in Europe 2009 and has been published with the permission of the publisher. The original European measurements are in brackets. Because the book was originally written for chefs, the quantities are quite large. However, this makes the recipe very suitable for a party or culinary gifts. You can also halve the recipe, if you wish.

Ingredients

  • 3 1/4 cups/750 grams butter 
  • 13 3/4 cups/2750 grams granulated sugar
  • 6 2/3 tablespoons/50 grams ground cinnamon
  • 5 tsp/25 grams salt
  • 1 pint /500 milliliters water 
  • 10 cups/1250 grams all-purpose flour
  • 7 cups/750 grams almonds (chopped)

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

  2. Melt the butter and mix it with the sugar, cinnamon, salt, and water.

  3. Stir in the flour and carefully blend in the chopped almonds.

  4. Let the dough rest for several hours in the fridge.

  5. Preheat oven to 350 F/180 C.

  6. Form little balls with a spoon or ice cream scoop and put on parchment paper. Cover with plastic wrap and flatten a bit.

  7. Take the plastic wrap off and bake cookies for 8 minutes in the preheated oven.

  8. Allow to cool on a wire serving rack and keep in an airtight container.

  9.  Serve with coffee or use as a dessert garnish. Enjoy!

Tip

  • If needed, you can shape the cookies after baking, too.

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