This is the best Basler Brunsli recipe we have ever had. We found it while visiting Basel, Switzerland.
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traveling in Switzerland
This is one of the things we discovered while traveling and recreated when we got back home. We researched the science and techniques behind the recipe and used tips from exceptional chefs. Then we used the best ingredients we could find to create this recipe. For more ideas, see our other posts about recipes inspired by travel.
Basler Brunsli is a Chocolate Spice Cookie made with Nut Flour – named for the town of Basel Switzerland. A lovely town with a rich history. We stayed in the older part of town, next to the University which had a special charm. It was November, and there were already signs of the approaching holidays. Most importantly, the shops were selling Christmas cookies. Basel is famous for several cookies, which are actually named for the town. We have included a recipe for a little chocolate cookie called Basler Brunsli, which means the little brown cookie from Basel.



I especially liked the Basler Brunsli, a chocolate spice cookie, that is perfect as a Christmas cookie. Basler Brunsli are usually a small, thick cookie cut in the shape of a flower. The shop keeper explained that they use nut flour instead of wheat flour. Usually it was almond flour, but these were made of hazelnut flour.






























THE BEST BASLER BRUNSLI RECIPE
When we returned home, I researched the recipe and created our own version. However, I thought a larger version in the shape of a bear would be appropriate, since the bear is an important symbol in Switzerland. The cookie is naturally gluten free, because it is made with nut flour and egg whites, similar to a macaron. I used hazelnut flour and orange liqueur. Very important to this recipe is allowing the cut out cookies to dry out for an hour before baking.






I happened to have a stencil of a birch forest that I picked up at the art store. Dusting it with powdered sugar made a nice winter scene for the presentation.
How the Basler Brunsli Cookies Fit into our Plan to EAT BETTER:
While looking for the best ingredients, we discovered that many companies that care about quality also care about sustainability. We had made a huge dent in our carbon footprint just by eating better. We have listed the brands for some of the ingredients because ingredients are everything. We have found that these brands give superior results. And by using brands like Horizon butter and Wholesome sugar we cut our carbon footprint (see: we cut our carbon footprint in half ) and are helping to control climate change.
