Aachener Printen – German Gingerbread

Aachener Printen is a speciality gingerbread or Lebkuchen sold in the masses to the masses at Christmas.  Recipes are closely guarded  secrets but my German friend gave me this version.

You’ll need

• 500g golden syrup
• 500g plain flour
• 50g candied peel
• 2tsp baking powder
• 2tsp ground star anise
• 2tbsp ground coriander seeds
• 2tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp ground cloves

For the glaze

• 2 tbsp granulated sugar
• 2 tbsp water

For the topping

• 200g dark chocolate – minimum 80% cocoa solids

To make around 12 pieces

1. Mix all the dry ingredients in a bowl and set aside.
2. Warm the golden syrup in a pan over a low heat until it’s loosened and warm to touch but not hot.
3. Add the syrup to the dry ingredients and mix together into a soft dough.
4. Roll into 12 pieces – shapes of your choice. Cylinders or rounds or squares.
5. Place the pieces on to the baking tray and bake for 15- 20 minutes.
6. Make the glaze by dissolving the sugar in the warmed water and glaze the pieces while they are still warm.
7. When cooled, dip and coat in melted chocolate.