Schwarzwälder Kirsch Gebäck Black Forest Cherry Pastries

Around this time of year, the festive aroma of freshly baked goods fills every home, and there’s no better way to welcome the holiday season than by creating delicious treats to share with loved ones. One iconic German Christmas baking recipe that never fails to delight is the Schwarzwälder Kirsch Gebäck, also known as Black Forest Cherry Pastries. These delicate pastries are a perfect blend of rich chocolate, tart cherries, and fluffy dough – a true indulgence for the taste buds.

Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 cup dark chocolate, chopped
– 1 cup cherry preserves
– Powdered sugar (for dusting)

Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder. Add the cold butter cubes and use your fingertips to rub the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs.
3. Slowly pour in the milk while stirring with a fork until a dough forms. Be careful not to overwork the dough; it should be soft and pliable.
4. Roll out the dough on a floured surface into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick. Using a sharp knife or pastry cutter, slice the dough into squares of your desired size.
5. Place a small spoonful of cherry preserves in the center of each dough square, followed by a sprinkle of chopped dark chocolate.
6. Fold the dough over the filling to form a triangle, then crimp the edges with a fork to seal the pastries.
7. Transfer the filled pastries to the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until they turn golden brown.
8. Once baked, remove the pastries from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack before dusting them with powdered sugar.
9. Serve these delightful Schwarzwälder Kirsch Gebäck Black Forest Cherry Pastries with a steaming cup of coffee or hot cocoa for a cozy holiday treat that’s sure to impress your guests.

Incorporating the classic flavors of Black Forest cake into a small, handheld pastry, these Schwarzwälder Kirsch Gebäck are a delightful addition to any Christmas gathering. The combination of buttery pastry, sweet cherry preserves, and decadent chocolate makes these pastries a true holiday indulgence. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to fill your home with the delicious scents of Christmas with this delightful German recipe. Enjoy creating these tasty treats and sharing them with your loved ones as you celebrate the magic of the season!