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Hausfreunde Cookies Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 137 reviews

Hausfreunde Cookies are elegant, layered treats featuring tender buttery cookie rounds sandwiched with apricot jam and almond paste, topped with rich dark chocolate and caramelized cashew nuts. These delicate yet flavorful cookies combine a buttery shortbread base with sweet and nutty accents, making them perfect for festive occasions or gifting.

Ingredients

Scale

Cookie Dough

  • 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

Filling and Topping

  • 7 oz almond paste or marzipan
  • 5 oz dark chocolate
  • ½ cup apricot jam
  • ½ cup cashew nuts
  • 4 tablespoons granulated sugar

Instructions

  1. Make the Dough: In the bowl of a standing mixer, combine the flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Pulse a few times to mix. Add the chilled butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Process until a soft dough begins to form and pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
  2. Chill the Dough: Transfer the dough onto a piece of plastic wrap and shape it into a disc. Cover with another piece of plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour to firm up.
  3. Prepare for Baking: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
  4. Roll and Cut Cookies: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about ¼ inch thickness. Using a 2-inch round cookie cutter, cut out cookie rounds. Transfer them gently onto the prepared baking sheets. Gather the leftover dough, roll out again, and cut until you have 48 cookie rounds.
  5. Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Halfway through baking, rotate the baking sheets top to bottom and front to back for even baking. Remove from the oven and transfer cookies to a cooling rack.
  6. Prepare Apricot Jam: Place the apricot jam in a microwave-safe dish and heat for about 30 seconds until runny.
  7. Assemble Cookie Sandwiches: Brush a thin layer of the warmed apricot jam onto half of the cookies. Cover each with another cookie to form sandwiches.
  8. Prepare Almond Paste Rounds: Place the almond paste between two sheets of parchment paper and roll out to ⅛ inch thickness. Using the same 2-inch round cutter, cut out 24 rounds.
  9. Add Almond Paste Layer: Brush the top of each cookie sandwich with apricot jam, then top each with an almond paste round.
  10. Melt Chocolate: Place the dark chocolate in a small bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between sessions, until completely melted and smooth.
  11. Dip Cookies in Chocolate: Dip the top of each cookie into the melted chocolate, then carefully place on a wire rack to set.
  12. Caramelize Cashew Nuts: Heat a medium non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add cashews and toast, tossing occasionally, until lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Add granulated sugar and stir until cashews are evenly coated with melted sugar. Transfer the caramelized nuts to parchment paper and let cool.
  13. Garnish Cookies: Roughly chop the caramelized cashew nuts. Place about 1 teaspoon of chopped nuts in the center of each cookie on top of the chocolate layer.
  14. Serve and Enjoy: Allow chocolate to fully set before serving. Enjoy these delightful Hausfreunde cookies with tea or coffee.

Notes

  • Make sure the butter is well chilled before adding to the dough for best texture.
  • If almond paste is too hard to roll, gently warm it to soften slightly.
  • Caramelizing nuts requires attention as sugar can burn quickly; stir constantly once sugar is added.
  • Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
  • Use good-quality dark chocolate for optimal flavor and texture.

Keywords: Hausfreunde cookies, almond paste cookies, apricot jam cookies, German cookies, layered cookies, caramelized nuts

Find it online: https://victoriablair.com/hausfreunde-cookies-recipe/