Kirsch Herzen Cherry Hearts

In the world of German Christmas baking, there’s a delightful treat that embodies the essence of the holiday season – Kirsch Herzen, also known as Cherry Hearts. These charming little pastries are both delicious and visually stunning, making them a perfect addition to any festive spread. Bursting with the sweet tang of cherries and the warmth of almond, they are sure to become a beloved favorite in your holiday baking repertoire. Let’s dive into the magical world of Kirsch Herzen and bring a touch of German tradition to your home this Christmas.

**Kirsch Herzen Cherry Hearts**

**Ingredients:**
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup ground almonds
– 1/3 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 egg yolk
– 1/2 tsp almond extract
– 1/4 tsp salt
– 1/3 cup cherry jam
– Powdered sugar for dusting

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the Dough**
– In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, ground almonds, sugar, and salt. Mix well to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
– Add the softened butter, egg yolk, and almond extract to the dry ingredients. Using your hands, knead the mixture until it forms a smooth dough. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour.
– Shape the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow it to firm up.

2. **Form the Cherry Hearts**
– Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
– Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of about 1/4 inch. Using heart-shaped cookie cutters, cut out pairs of hearts.
– Place half of the heart cutouts on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between them. These will be the bases of your Cherry Hearts.
– Using a smaller heart cutter, cut out the centers of the remaining heart cutouts to create the top layers of the pastries. Be sure to reserve these smaller hearts as you will need them later.

3. **Assembly**
– Spoon a small amount of cherry jam onto the center of each of the heart bases on the baking sheet.
– Gently place a smaller heart cutout on top of each jam-filled base, pressing down lightly around the edges to seal the two layers together.
– Take the reserved smaller heart cutouts and cut a small vent or design into the center of each one. Place these vents on top of the assembled pastries, pressing them gently to adhere.

4. **Bake and Serve**
– Bake the Cherry Hearts in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
– Remove the pastries from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
– Once cooled, dust the Cherry Hearts with powdered sugar for a snowy finish.
– Serve these delightful Kirsch Herzen Cherry Hearts on a festive platter and watch them disappear as your friends and family delight in the beauty and flavor of these traditional German Christmas treats.

Enjoy these Kirsch Herzen Cherry Hearts as a sweet indulgence during the holiday season or share them with loved ones as a thoughtful gift from your kitchen. Embrace the joy of baking and infuse your home with the warmth and charm of German Christmas traditions with this delightful recipe.