During the festive season in Germany, the air fills with the warm, comforting aroma of holiday baking. Among the myriad delightful treats enjoyed during this time, Kirschplätzchen, or Cherry Cookies, stand out for their delightful flavor and charming appearance. These delightful cookies are perfect for sharing with friends over a cup of spiced tea or as a sweet addition to a holiday cookie platter. Let’s dive into making these delectable Kirschplätzchen together!
**Kirschplätzchen Cherry Cookies**
**Ingredients:**
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon almond extract
– 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
– ½ cup ground almonds
– ½ teaspoon baking powder
– ½ teaspoon salt
– ½ cup cherry jam
– Powdered sugar, for dusting
**Instructions:**
1. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Add the egg and almond extract to the mixture, and beat until well combined.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground almonds, baking powder, and salt.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until a soft dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour.
5. Divide the dough into two equal portions, wrap each portion in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up.
6. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
7. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one portion of the chilled dough to about 1/8 inch thickness.
8. Use a round cookie cutter to cut out cookies, and then place them on the prepared baking sheets.
9. Using a smaller round cookie cutter or the back of a piping tip, create a hole in the center of half of the cookies. These will be the tops of the sandwich cookies.
10. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
11. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
12. Once the cookies are completely cooled, spread a thin layer of cherry jam on the bottom (solid) half of each cookie.
13. Place a cookie with a hole on top of each jam-covered cookie to form a sandwich.
14. Before serving, dust the tops of the cookies with powdered sugar for a festive finish.
Enjoy these delightful Kirschplätzchen Cherry Cookies with loved ones this holiday season, and relish in the joy of homemade treats that warm the heart and fill the home with love and laughter. These delicate, almond-infused cookies with a burst of cherry jam in the center are sure to become a beloved addition to your Christmas baking traditions. Happy baking, and may your holiday season be merry and bright!
