valentine chocolate jumbles
The Swiss immigrants who settled in and around Schoharie County in upstate New York in the 1700s brought their recipe for chocolate jumbles, iced chocolate-and-spice cookies which have changed little in three centuries and are still hugely popular. Usually made in rounds with a hole in the middle, they are said to be named for the wedding rings they resemble, which were once made in pairs called "gemel". This Valentine version alters that original shape slightly, but respects the cookie's romantic origin.
prep time
cook time
10 Min
method
Bake
yield
About 4 dozen
Ingredients
- FOR COOKIES:
- 1 - egg
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup lard
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 2-1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup buttermilk or sour milk
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- FOR ICING AND DECORATING:
- 6 ounces confectioners' sugar
- 2 tablespoons powdered egg whites
- 1 tablespoon water
- - red food coloring or valentine-themed cookie sprinkles
How To Make valentine chocolate jumbles
-
Step 1In large bowl combine cookie ingredients with mixer until well blended. Chill several hours or overnight.
-
Step 2Roll out dough about 1/4" thick between sheets of waxed paper. Cut into heart shapes with 2-1/2" heart-shaped cutter, then cut out centers with 1" heart-shaped cutter. Place on parchment-lined cookie sheet. Reroll scraps and repeat until all dough is used up. Chill again briefly before baking. Bake in center of oven preheated to 350 8-10 minutes, or until edges are firm. Cool on cookie sheet 5 minutes before removing to wire rack to cool completely.
-
Step 3Combine icing ingredients except food coloring. Add more confectioners' sugar or water to achieve spreading consistency. Ice cooled cookies. EITHER let icing harden a few hours and paint designs of your choice with red food coloring and very fine brush. OR sprinkle wet icing with valentine-themed colored sprinkles, let dry completely.
- Last Step: Don't forget to share! Post a picture of your finished recipe here and on your favorite social network. Don't forget to tag Just A Pinch and include #justapinchrecipes!
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