If you’re looking to add a touch of Czech holiday tradition to your Christmas baking repertoire, look no further than the delightful čokoládové Dortíčky, or Chocolate Tarts. These delightful treats are perfect for festive gatherings with family and friends, or simply as a delightful indulgence to enjoy during the cozy winter evenings. Rich, chocolaty, and just the right amount of sweet, these tarts are sure to become a new holiday favorite in your home.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 2/3 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup apricot jam or preserves
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 8 oz semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, and salt until well combined. Add the cold butter pieces and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and vanilla extract. Add the egg mixture to the flour-butter mixture and stir until the dough comes together. Shape the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
3. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease a mini tart pan with removable bottoms.
4. Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Cut out small circles using a round cutter that fits the size of your tart pan. Press the dough circles into the prepared tart pan, ensuring an even layer across the bottom and up the sides.
5. Prick the bottom of each tart with a fork and bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the tart shells are set. Remove from the oven and let cool completely.
6. While the tart shells cool, heat the apricot jam or preserves in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until smooth. Brush a thin layer of the jam on the bottom of each tart shell.
7. In another saucepan, heat the heavy cream until just simmering. Place the finely chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl and pour the hot cream over the chocolate. Let it sit for 1-2 minutes, then stir until smooth and creamy.
8. Fill each tart shell with the chocolate ganache mixture, smoothing the tops with a spatula. Allow the tarts to set in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
9. Before serving, dust the Chocolate Tarts with confectioners’ sugar for a festive touch. These tarts are best enjoyed slightly chilled, allowing the rich chocolate filling to melt in your mouth with each decadent bite.
These Czech-inspired Chocolate Tarts are a wonderful addition to your holiday dessert menu. Whether you’re sharing with loved ones or treating yourself to a cozy night in, these tarts offer a perfect balance of sweetness and richness that will surely bring joy to your Christmas celebrations. Enjoy the process of creating these delightful treats and savor the flavors of the season!
