Schweinsohr (traditional german cookies)

Ingredients

Cookies

250 grams (8.8 ounces) cottage cheese
250 grams (8.8 ounces) flour
250 grams (8.8 ounces) butter
120 grams (4.2 ounces) sugar
10 grams (0.35 ounces) baking powder
pinch of salt

The glaze

150 grams (5.3 ounces) citrus jam
150 grams (5.3 ounces) powdered sugar
lemon juice to taste

Equipment

Baking Sheet
A good non-stick baking sheet is essential for ensuring your cookies bake evenly without sticking. Investing in a high-quality one can make a huge difference in your baking results.
Sharp Knife
This is crucial for slicing perfectly shaped pastries. A dull knife can ruin the appearance of your pastries and make the task more difficult.
Sieve
This helps in ensuring your cottage cheese is smooth, which is key for the perfect dough texture.
Rolling Pin
A sturdy rolling pin helps roll out the dough evenly. Make sure to flour it lightly to prevent sticking.
Cling Film
Essential for chilling the dough without it drying out. Make sure to wrap it tightly.

Instructions

Step 1

1. Pre-cool all ingredients by placing them in the freezer for half an hour. This helps in achieving the right texture for the dough.

Step 2

2. Sift the flour with the baking powder and a pinch of salt.

Step 3

3. Pass the cottage cheese through a sieve for a smoother texture.

Step 4

4. Sprinkle the flour mixture on your work surface. Add pieces of cold butter and use a knife to quickly chop and mix the butter with the flour.

Step 5

5. Add the sieved cottage cheese and continue to knead the dough quickly until you have a non-uniform mixture with visible pieces of butter.

Step 6

6. Roll the cold dough into a long layer, fold it into thirds, rotate 90 degrees, and repeat this process 4 more times. Lightly sprinkle flour to prevent sticking.

Step 7

7. If the dough heats up during rolling, place it in the freezer for a few minutes to cool down.

Step 8

8. After the final rolling, fold the dough into thirds, wrap it in cling film, and refrigerate for 8-12 hours or freeze for an hour.

Step 9

9. Roll out the cold dough into a large rectangle, sprinkle with sugar, and lightly roll with a rolling pin.

Step 10

10. From both ends, roll the dough towards the center. Cut into pieces slightly over 1 cm thick and place them cut side up on a baking sheet.

Step 11

11. Preheat the oven to 428°F (220°C) and bake for 15-17 minutes until golden brown.

Step 12

12. Cool the cookies, then cover with citrus jam. Let the jam set before applying the glaze. If the jam is thick, dilute it with a little water.

Step 13

13. For the glaze, mix enough lemon juice with powdered sugar to achieve a non-liquid consistency. Apply the glaze to the cookies.

Servings

Looking to serve these delicious pastries in style? We've got you covered! 🎉 **Pair it with your morning coffee** ☕ and start your day on a sweet note. The buttery, flaky texture of the pastry complements the rich taste of coffee perfectly. For a more decadent option, drizzle some extra jam on top and sprinkle with powdered sugar - 🍓🍋 it's a morning treat that's hard to beat. Hosting a brunch? 🥂**Serve these pastries with a selection of cheeses and fresh fruits**. They add a touch of elegance to your table and are a wonderful contrast to savory dishes. Try pairing them with a mild brie or gouda, and add some fresh berries or citrus slices on the side. 🍇🧀✨ And let’s not forget about dessert! 🍨 **Warm these pastries slightly** before serving and add a dollop of vanilla ice cream 🍦 on the side. This hot-cold combination is sure to impress your guests and leave their taste buds tingling for more.

Variations

Want to make your pastry gluten-free or vegan? We have got you covered! 🌾🌿 **Gluten-Free Variation**: Swap the regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour. **Ensure** it's a blend that includes xanthan gum for best results. This helps to provide the structure that gluten typically would. **Vegan Variation**: Substitute the butter with a high-quality plant-based alternative, and replace the cottage cheese with a dairy-free version, **such as a mixture of tofu and vegan cream cheese**. Make sure the citrus jam and the powdered sugar used for the glaze are also vegan-friendly. 🥥🍋✨ Enjoy these variations and share the joy of baking with everyone, regardless of dietary preferences! 🎉

Faq

Why does the dough need to be cold when working with it?
Keeping the dough cold ensures that the butter doesn't melt into the flour, which helps the pastries stay flaky and crispy.
How do I prevent the dough from sticking while rolling it out?
Lightly flour the surface and the rolling pin to prevent sticking. If the dough gets too warm, pop it in the freezer for a few minutes.
Can I freeze the dough for longer than an hour?
Yes, you can freeze the dough for up to a month. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in cling film to prevent freezer burn.
What’s the best way to ensure even baking?
Bake in the center rack of the oven and rotate the baking sheet halfway through the baking time.
How do I know when the pastries are done?
The edges should be golden brown, and they should feel firm to the touch. It's best to check them a minute or two before the minimum baking time.
Can I use a different type of jam for the glaze?
Absolutely! Feel free to use your favorite jam. Just make sure it's not too thick, and add a bit of water if needed.