Kuss Mich Cookies

¾ cup honey
2/3 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon grated lemon peel
4 tablespoons butter
2 eggs
3 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup almonds, ground
1 teaspoon ground ginger
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
½ cup minced candied orange peel
1 egg yolk beaten with 1 tablespoon water
decorating icing in tubes


In a small pan, combine honey, sugar, lemon peel and butter. Stir over medium heat until butter is melted. Let cool to lukewarm. In a large mixing bowl, beat eggs until foamy; stir in honey mixture. In another bowl, combine flour, baking soda, salt, almonds, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg and orange peel. Gradually add to egg mixture, blending thoroughly.

Use LARGE heart cookie cutter (6-7 inches). Divide dough into 8 portions. Roll dough out till slightly larger than cookie cutter. Transfer dough to cookie sheets and cut. Space cookies slightly apart on cookie sheet. Brush cookies with egg hyolk mixture. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 12 to 15 minutes or until lightly browned.

Transfer to racks and cool completely. Decorate cookies. Write messages in center. Let dry, uncovered until icing is firm. Store in airtight container for up to 2 weeks.

Makes 8 to 10.

Messages: Liebling, Mein Schatz, Kuss mich, Du bist mein Alles, Nur du, Ich liebe dich, Bleib mir treu.