valentine chocolate jumbles

Recipe by
Linda Blakely
Middleburgh, NY

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.

yield serving(s)
cook time 10 Min
method Bake

Ingredients For valentine chocolate jumbles

  • FOR COOKIES:
  • 1
    egg
  • 1/2 c
    sugar
  • 1/2 c
    lard
  • 1/2 c
    molasses
  • 2-1/2 c
    all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 c
    buttermilk or sour milk
  • 1/2 c
    cocoa powder
  • 1/2 tsp
    cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp
    ground cloves
  • 1/4 tsp
    salt
  • 1 tsp
    baking soda
  • FOR ICING AND DECORATING:
  • 6 oz
    confectioners' sugar
  • 2 Tbsp
    powdered egg whites
  • 1 Tbsp
    water
  • red food coloring or valentine-themed cookie sprinkles

How To Make valentine chocolate jumbles

  • 1
    In large bowl combine cookie ingredients with mixer until well blended. Chill several hours or overnight.
  • 2
    Roll 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.
  • 3
    Combine 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.

Categories & Tags for Valentine Chocolate Jumbles:

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