During the festive season, it’s a delight to indulge in the rich flavors and comforting aromas of traditional German Christmas baking. Among the many delightful treats enjoyed during this time, the Kirsch Marzipan Törtchen, also known as Cherry Marzipan Tarts, hold a special place as a beloved holiday favorite. These delectable tarts combine the sweetness of marzipan with the tartness of cherries for a perfect balance of flavors that truly captures the spirit of the season.
**Kirsch Marzipan Törtchen Cherry Marzipan Tarts**
**Ingredients:**
– 1 package of pre-made pie crust (or homemade equivalent)
– 200g marzipan
– 1/4 cup cherry preserves
– 1/4 cup whole cherries, pitted
– Powdered sugar for dusting
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Tart Shells:**
– Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
– Roll out the pie crust and use a round cookie cutter to cut out circles that fit the size of your tart pans.
– Gently press the dough into the tart pans, ensuring it covers the bottom and sides evenly. Trim any excess dough.
2. **Prepare the Marzipan Filling:**
– Grate the marzipan into a bowl or use a food processor to crumble it into fine pieces.
– Add the cherry preserves to the marzipan and mix well until fully combined.
3. **Fill the Tart Shells:**
– Spoon the marzipan and cherry mixture into each tart shell, filling them almost to the top but leaving a small border to prevent spillage while baking.
4. **Add Whole Cherries:**
– Place a pitted cherry in the center of each tart, gently pressing it into the marzipan filling.
5. **Bake the Tarts:**
– Place the tart pans on a baking sheet to catch any drips and bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is set.
6. **Cool and Serve:**
– Remove the tarts from the oven and let them cool in the pans for a few minutes.
– Carefully transfer the tarts to a wire rack to cool completely.
– Lightly dust the tarts with powdered sugar before serving for a festive finish.
These delightful Kirsch Marzipan Törtchen Cherry Marzipan Tarts are a perfect addition to any holiday gathering or as a special treat for you and your loved ones to enjoy during the cozy winter evenings. The combination of the almond-infused marzipan, the fruity cherry preserves, and the tender whole cherries creates a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that are sure to please your taste buds.
The simplicity of this recipe allows you to focus on the joy of baking and sharing these delicious tarts with those around you. Whether you are an experienced baker or just starting your culinary journey, these Cherry Marzipan Tarts are a delightful way to bring a taste of the holiday season into your home. Enjoy the process of creating these festive treats and savor the magical flavors they bring to your holiday celebrations.