Mailanderli cookie recipe

Mailänderli! Those are traditional Swiss cookies that are a staple during the Christmas season. Here's a recipe for Mailänderli cookies that yields a delicious and authentic result:

Ingredients:

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup chopped hazelnuts (optional)
• Confectioners' sugar, for dusting

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, confectioners' sugar, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
4. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients and mix until a dough forms. If using hazelnuts, fold them into the dough.
5. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
6. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes using a cookie cutter or the rim of a glass.
7. Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space between each cookie.
8. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
9. Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Dust the cookies with confectioners' sugar before serving.

Tips:

• To achieve the characteristic Mailänderli shape, use a cookie cutter with a rounded edge or the rim of a glass.
• If you don't have hazelnuts, you can omit them or substitute with chopped almonds or pistachios.
• Mailänderli cookies are best served fresh, but they can be stored in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Enjoy your delicious Mailänderli cookies!