Name: Hausfreunde Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h 50 min
Cuisine: German
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; ¼ cup granulated sugar; 1 ½ sticks chilled unsalted butter, cubed; 1 egg; ¼ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon vanilla extract; 7 oz almond paste or marzipan; 5 oz dark chocolate; ½ cup apricot jam; ½ cup cashew nuts; 4 tablespoons granulated sugar

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Introduction

Hausfreunde Cookies are a delightful German treat combining buttery dough, sweet almond paste, rich chocolate, and crunchy caramelized cashews. These layered cookies offer a perfect balance of textures and flavors, making them ideal for sharing with friends and family.

The image shows nine round cookies arranged on a black wire cooling rack over a white marbled surface. Each cookie has two layers: a golden-brown base that looks soft and thick, topped with a smooth layer of shiny dark chocolate spread covering the whole top surface. On top of the chocolate, there are small clusters of toasted, light brown and slightly crispy nuts placed in the center of each cookie. The overall look is neat and inviting, with the nuts adding a textured contrast to the smooth chocolate. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 ½ sticks chilled unsalted butter, cubed
1 egg
¼ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
7 oz almond paste or marzipan
5 oz dark chocolate
½ cup apricot jam
½ cup cashew nuts
4 tablespoons granulated sugar

Instructions

Step 1: In the bowl of a standing mixer, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Pulse a few times to mix.
Step 2: Add the chilled butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Process until the dough starts to come together and pulls away from the sides.
Step 3: Transfer the dough onto a piece of plastic wrap. Pat it into a disc, cover with another piece of plastic, and chill for 1 hour.
Step 4: Preheat the oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 5: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to ¼ inch thickness. Using a 2-inch round cookie cutter, cut out cookies. Transfer to baking sheets. Gather scraps, reroll, and cut until you have 48 rounds.
Step 6: Bake the cookies for 20 minutes, rotating sheets halfway through. Remove and cool on a rack.
Step 7: Warm the apricot jam in the microwave for about 30 seconds until runny. Brush a thin layer on half the cookies and top with the remaining cookies to form sandwiches.
Step 8: Roll the almond paste between parchment paper to ⅛ inch thickness. Cut 24 rounds with the same cookie cutter.
Step 9: Brush the tops of each cookie sandwich with apricot jam, then place an almond paste round on top.
Step 10: Melt the dark chocolate in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between. Dip the top of each cookie into the chocolate and place on a wire rack.
Step 11: Toast cashews in a medium non-stick skillet over medium heat, stirring until lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Add sugar and stir until nuts are coated. Cool on parchment paper.
Step 12: Roughly chop the caramelized cashews and place about 1 teaspoon on the center of each cookie.
Step 13: Serve and enjoy your Hausfreunde Cookies!

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom to the dough.
If you prefer, substitute cashews with toasted almonds or hazelnuts.
Use high-quality dark chocolate for a richer taste.
If almond paste is not available, marzipan works just as well.

Storage

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Keep them away from heat to prevent the chocolate from melting. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a sealed container for up to 3 months; thaw before serving.

How to Serve

The dish shows small round treats with three distinct layers. The bottom layer is a light brown, soft-looking biscuit or cookie base. The middle layer is a thin, smooth cream or frosting in pale white color. The top layer is a thick, shiny dark chocolate glaze that covers the cream completely. On top of each treat, there are small pieces of chopped nuts, some lightly toasted, giving a rough texture and mix of off-white and light brown colors. The treats are placed on a white marbled surface, and the focus is on the front treat with others fading softly in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, the dough can be prepared and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before rolling and baking.

Can I use a different jam instead of apricot?

Absolutely! Apricot jam is traditional, but you can substitute with raspberry or strawberry jam for a different flavor.