During the festive season, it’s a tradition in many German households to fill the air with the aroma of freshly baked goods. One delightful treat that never fails to charm both young and old alike is the “Mandelherzen mit Schokoladenfüllung,” or Almond Hearts With Chocolate Filling. These delightful cookies are not only a joy to make but also a delight to savor, especially with a warm cup of cocoa or mulled wine. Let’s dive into the recipe to bring a taste of German Christmas magic to your home this holiday season!
**Ingredients:**
– 1 cup of ground almonds
– 1 cup of all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup of granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract
– 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, softened
– 1 egg yolk
– 1/4 cup of dark chocolate chips
– 1 tablespoon of milk
– Powdered sugar, for dusting
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground almonds, flour, and granulated sugar. Mix well to ensure even distribution of the dry ingredients.
3. Add the almond extract, vanilla extract, softened butter, and egg yolk to the dry ingredients. Use your hands or a mixer to combine everything until a dough forms. The dough should be soft but not sticky. If it feels too dry, you can add a little more butter.
4. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of about 1/4 inch. Use heart-shaped cookie cutters to cut out cookie shapes. Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until they are lightly golden around the edges. Remove from the oven and allow them to cool on a wire rack.
6. In a small saucepan, melt the dark chocolate chips with the milk over low heat, stirring constantly until smooth and well combined. Let the chocolate mixture cool slightly.
7. Pair the cookies together according to size, making sure that one half has a flat surface. Spread a small amount of the chocolate filling on the flat surface of one cookie and sandwich it with another cookie.
8. Repeat this process for the remaining cookies until all of them are filled and assembled.
9. Dust the completed Almond Hearts With Chocolate Filling with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness and a festive finish.
And there you have it – a batch of delightful Almond Hearts With Chocolate Filling ready to be enjoyed with your loved ones. These charming treats are perfect for gifting or for simply indulging in a cozy moment at home. The combination of almond and chocolate flavors creates a wonderful harmony that will surely capture the spirit of the holidays. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and let the magic of baking fill your home with warmth and joy this Christmas season!
