Delicious Raspberry Almond Thumbprint Cookies: The Ultimate Husaren Krapferl Recipe
Step into a world of cozy comfort with these delightful Austrian Husaren Krapferl, also known as Raspberry Almond Thumbprint Cookies. These exquisite hazelnut-infused treats are more than just a cookie; they are a taste of tradition, perfect for the holidays or whenever you crave a heartwarming, homemade indulgence. Crafted with love, just like Grandma used to make, this easy-to-follow recipe brings the magic of these tender, jam-filled cookies right to your kitchen.
Whether your family is gathered close for the holidays or you’re connecting via video chat for Christmas, there’s nothing quite like the comfort of homemade treats. These sensational raspberry almond thumbprint cookies are designed to bring joy and warmth, not just during the festive season, but any time of the year. You’ll fall in love with every aspect of this recipe, especially these highlights:
- Inviting Austrian Sweet: Sharing a piece of my heritage through baking is a true pleasure. This cherished recipe, passed down from my grandmother, embodies the sweet traditions of Austria. You’ll love sharing these delightful cookies and their story with your own loved ones. It’s a way to connect with culinary history and create new memories.
- Easy Cookie Recipe: Forget complicated gadgets and specialized tools! These traditional thumbprint cookies are made the old-fashioned way – by hand. This simple approach ensures that anyone, regardless of baking experience, can create a batch of perfect cookies with minimal fuss.
- Rocking Raspberry Flavor: The vibrant tang of raspberry jam pairs exquisitely with the subtle nuttiness of ground hazelnuts and almonds, all encased in a tender, divinely textured dough. This classic flavor combination elevates these cookies from simple treats to true show-stoppers, offering a burst of fruity brightness in every bite.
- Great All Year: While thumbprint cookies are often considered a holiday essential, their charm extends far beyond December. Imagine baking them in the summer with fresh, seasonal berries, bringing a taste of sunshine to your table. They’re versatile enough to brighten any occasion, any season.
🥘 Essential Ingredients for Perfect Thumbprint Cookies
Crafting the perfect batch of raspberry almond thumbprint cookies starts with understanding the role of each ingredient. Quality matters, and each component contributes to the unique flavor and delicate texture of these Austrian delights.
Cake Flour: This is our secret weapon for an unbelievably light and airy cookie! Cake flour has a lower protein content compared to all-purpose flour, which means less gluten development. The result is a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture that is almost too easy to devour. While you can substitute with all-purpose flour, be aware that it will yield a slightly denser, chewier cookie, altering the authentic Husaren Krapferl texture. For best results, stick with cake flour.
Baking Powder: A common leavening agent, baking powder is crucial for giving these delightful sweets their gentle rise and characteristic soft crumb. If you find yourself without baking powder, a quick homemade substitute can be made by mixing equal parts baking soda and cream of tartar. This combination mimics the leavening action needed for successful baking.
Powdered Sugar: When it comes to sweetness and texture, powdered sugar is the superior choice for these cookies. Also known as confectioners’ sugar, it’s made from finely ground sugar mixed with a small amount of cornstarch. This unique composition not only provides a delicate sweetness but also contributes significantly to the cookies’ soft, almost melt-in-your-mouth texture, enhancing their overall decadence.
Vanilla Sugar: Infusing your cookies with a subtle yet distinct vanilla aroma, vanilla sugar adds a wonderful layer of woody and smooth flavor alongside its sweetness. While available in some specialty grocery stores, creating your own Homemade Vanilla Sugar is surprisingly easy and allows you to control the intensity. This simple addition makes a noticeable difference in the final taste profile.
Ground Hazelnut: The inclusion of ground hazelnut is a classic Austrian touch, adding a sophisticated nuttiness to the cookie dough. This fine hazelnut powder contributes depth of flavor and a lovely, slightly grainy texture that complements the fruit filling beautifully, making the pairing of nuts and berries even more exciting and complex.
Egg Yolks: Separating eggs might seem like an extra step, but there’s a scientific reason behind using only the egg yolks in this recipe. Egg yolks contain all the fat of the egg, while the whites are mostly protein. By using only the yolks, we infuse the dough with richness and moisture without adding extra protein that could lead to a tougher cookie. This ensures a tender and luxurious crumb.
If you’re wondering what to do with the leftover egg whites, don’t worry! We have a dedicated section below with wonderful egg white recipes to prevent any waste.
Butter: For that irresistible, luscious buttery flavor and tender, chewy texture in every bite, unsalted butter is key. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the overall salt content of your cookies, ensuring a perfectly balanced flavor. Make sure your butter is at room temperature for easy incorporation into the dough.
Egg White (for brushing): A single egg white is reserved to brush the cookie dough before baking. This simple step serves a dual purpose: it acts as a glue for the almond slices and gives the finished cookies a beautiful, glossy sheen, making them look even more professional and appetizing, as if they came straight from a European bakery.
Almond Slices: These delicate slivered almonds are more than just a garnish. When baked, they transform into a crisp, golden-brown topping, providing a sensational crunch and a delightful marzipan-like flavor that perfectly complements the raspberry and hazelnut. Visually, they turn simple thumbprint cookies into adorable, elegant treats.
Raspberry Jam: The star of the “thumbprint,” raspberry jam provides the signature fruity center. You can use either store-bought or homemade jam, but a little trick can elevate your experience: if your jam is particularly seedy, run it through a fine-mesh sieve. This removes the tiny seeds, ensuring a smooth, delightful burst of raspberry flavor without getting seeds stuck in your teeth.
For precise quantities, please refer to the complete recipe card provided below.
🔪 Step-by-Step Baking Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create your own batch of delicious Raspberry Almond Thumbprint Cookies, perfect for any occasion.
Step One: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
Begin by sifting together the cake flour and baking powder into a large mixing bowl. Sifting ensures that these ingredients are well-combined and free of lumps, leading to a smoother, more consistent dough.
Step Two: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Create a well or “dent” in the center of your sifted flour mixture. Into this well, carefully add the remaining ingredients in the following order: powdered sugar, vanilla sugar, ground hazelnuts, egg yolks, and finally, the butter cut into small pieces. This method, often used in traditional baking, helps to gradually incorporate the ingredients.
Step Three: Knead the Dough
Working from the center of the bowl outwards, quickly knead all the ingredients together until a smooth, cohesive dough forms. While ideally done by hand to maintain a delicate texture, a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook can also be used for convenience. Avoid over-kneading, which can develop too much gluten and result in tough cookies.
Step Four: Chill the Dough
Once kneaded, wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Chilling is a crucial step that helps the butter firm up, preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking and making the dough easier to handle.
Step Five: Shape the Cookies
Once the dough is chilled, use a tablespoon or a cookie scoop to portion out small, even amounts of dough. Roll each portion between your palms to form smooth, uniform balls. Consistency in size ensures even baking.
Step Six: Create the Thumbprints
Place the dough balls onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Using your thumb (or the back of a small round measuring spoon for a more uniform indentation), gently press into the center of each ball to create a well, forming the characteristic “thumbprint” shape. Be careful not to press all the way through.
Step Seven: Add Glaze and Topping
Lightly brush each cookie with the reserved egg white. This acts as a binder for the almond slivers and adds a beautiful sheen. Immediately sprinkle the almond slivers generously over the brushed areas, adhering them to the cookie surface.
Step Eight: Fill with Raspberry Jam
Using a small teaspoon or, for greater precision and ease, a piping bag (with or without a tip), carefully fill each indentation with raspberry jam. Don’t overfill, as the jam will bubble slightly during baking.
Step Nine: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to the specified temperature (see recipe card for details). Place the baking sheet on the bottom half of the oven and bake until the cookies are golden brown around the edges and the jam is bubbly and set. Keep an eye on them to prevent over-browning.
Step Ten: Cool and Enjoy!
Once baked, transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. This allows them to firm up and prevents sogginess. Patience is key here, as they are even more delicious when fully cooled. Then, enjoy your homemade Austrian delights!
🥜 Make it Gluten-Free!
Adapting your beloved thumbprint cookies to be gluten-free is certainly possible, allowing everyone to enjoy these delightful treats. The key is understanding how gluten-free flours behave differently. To replace cake flour, you’ll generally need a blend of gluten-free flours and a binder.
A good starting ratio is two parts gluten-free flour (such as rice flour, almond flour, or buckwheat flour) combined with one part gluten-free starch flour (like tapioca starch, potato starch, or cornstarch) and a small amount of a binder to provide structure and elasticity that gluten usually offers.
Recommended Gluten-free Flours: Buckwheat, amaranth, millet, quinoa, almond, soy, chickpea. A blend of these often works best for a balanced flavor and texture.
Recommended Starch Flours: Potato starch, rice starch, corn starch, tapioca starch (or whole wheat starch for non-celiac sensitivities).
Essential Binders: Chia seeds (ground), flax seeds (ground), xanthan gum (or guar gum), tapioca flour, agar-agar, or additional eggs. Start with a small amount of binder (e.g., ½ teaspoon of xanthan gum per cup of flour blend) and adjust as needed, as too much can make baked goods gummy. Experimentation is often needed to find your perfect gluten-free blend.
🍑 Delicious Flavor Variations
While the classic raspberry and almond combination is utterly delicious, these thumbprint cookies are incredibly versatile! Feel free to experiment with different jams and toppings to create new favorites:
- Apricot Delight: For a sunnier, slightly tart flavor, swap the raspberry jam for apricot jam. Its golden hue and sweet-tart profile bring a lovely springtime feel to these cookies, and it tastes absolutely wonderful.
- Cranberry Cheer: Give these cookies a festive holiday twist by using sweet cranberry jelly instead of traditional raspberry. The vibrant red of cranberry is perfect for winter gatherings. I particularly enjoy using a festive holiday jam blend that includes cranberries, pears, and raspberries for a complex and aromatic filling.
- Currant Classic: Introduce an exotic and delightfully tangy flavor by replacing the raspberry jam with red currant jelly. Its bright, tart notes offer a sophisticated contrast to the sweet, nutty cookie base.
- Lemon Zest & Poppy Seed: For a bright, citrusy twist, mix a little lemon zest into your dough and sprinkle with poppy seeds before baking. Fill with a lemon curd or a simple lemon glaze for a refreshing take.
- Chocolate Drizzle: After the cookies have cooled, melt some dark or white chocolate and drizzle it decoratively over the top for an extra touch of decadence.
🎄 Get in the Christmas Mood
These raspberry almond thumbprint cookies are just one way to infuse your home with holiday cheer. If you’re looking for more ways to embrace the festive spirit, explore these wonderful Christmas-themed ideas:
- How to Decorate a real Christmas Tree in 11 Steps
- Baking basics for Christmas Cookies
- Delicious No Churn Egg Liqueur Parfait
- Cranberry Aperol Spritz
🍽 Essential Baking Equipment
Having the right tools can make your baking experience much smoother and more enjoyable. Here’s a list of equipment that will help you create these perfect thumbprint cookies:
- Hand or Stand Mixer: While these cookies can be made by hand, a mixer (especially a stand mixer with a paddle attachment) makes quick work of combining ingredients. The flat paddle attachment is ideal as it thoroughly mixes ingredients, scraping them from the sides of the bowl without over-developing gluten.
- Mixing Bowls: You’ll need at least one or two medium to large mixing bowls to comfortably weigh, sift, and combine all your ingredients. Using separate bowls for wet and dry can sometimes be helpful.
- Sieve: A fine-mesh sieve is indispensable for sifting flour and baking powder, ensuring a lump-free mixture. It’s also excellent for straining raspberry jam to remove seeds, guaranteeing a silky-smooth filling.
- Table Spoon or Cookie Scoop: For consistent cookie size and even baking, a tablespoon or a 1-tablespoon cookie scoop is highly recommended. I personally find the 1-tablespoon size perfect for these cookies, ensuring uniform portions. If you opt for larger scoops, remember to adjust baking times accordingly.
- Pastry Brush: A clean traditional or silicone pastry brush is essential for evenly applying the egg white wash to your cookies, helping the almond slivers adhere and creating that desirable glossy finish.
- Piping Bag: For neat and effortless filling of the cookie indentations with jam, a piping bag is a fantastic tool. If you don’t have one, a sturdy plastic bag with a corner snipped off makes a great makeshift alternative.
- Baking Sheets with Parchment Paper: Lining your baking sheets with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat (Silpat) is crucial. It prevents sticking, ensures even browning, and makes for easy cleanup.
- Cooling Rack: A wire cooling rack is vital for allowing air to circulate around the cookies, ensuring they cool evenly and maintain their crisp texture. This prevents the bottom from becoming soggy.
🌡 Storage Tips for Freshness
To keep your Raspberry Almond Thumbprint Cookies tasting fresh and delicious, proper storage is key. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Layer them between sheets of parchment paper if you’re stacking them to prevent sticking. They will maintain their quality and flavor for up to two weeks, making them perfect for preparing ahead for holidays or special events.
For longer storage, these cookies freeze beautifully. Once completely cooled, arrange them in a single layer in an airtight freezer-safe container or bag, separated by parchment paper. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
💭 Pro Tips for Success
- Dough Consistency: For the best texture, the dough for these cookies is ideally kneaded by hand. This allows you to feel the dough’s consistency and prevent overworking, which can lead to tough cookies. However, if using a stand mixer, use a dough hook attachment and mix just until combined.
- Perfect Jam Filling: While a teaspoon works, a piping bag offers far more control and makes filling a large batch of cookies a breeze. If you don’t have a dedicated piping bag, simply snip a small corner off a sturdy plastic sandwich bag and use it as a makeshift piping tool. You can even attach a piping tip for fancier designs!
- Utilizing Leftover Egg Whites: Don’t let those egg whites go to waste! They are best used within three days of cracking. Consider whipping them into a meringue, adding them to an omelet, or trying one of the delicious recipes listed below.
- Preventing Spreading: Ensure your butter is cold when you start the dough, and always chill the dough for the recommended time. A cold dough will hold its shape better in the oven, giving you perfectly formed thumbprints.
- Even Baking: Bake one sheet of cookies at a time in the center rack of your oven for optimal heat distribution. If baking multiple sheets, rotate them halfway through the baking time.
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🙋🏻 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Unfortunately, these traditional thumbprint cookies are not typically allergy-friendly. They contain common allergens such as eggs (in both yolks and whites), wheat (from cake flour), and nuts (hazelnuts and almonds). If you have severe allergies, it’s best to look for recipes specifically designed for those dietary restrictions.
Yes, you can adapt thumbprint cookies to be gluten-free, but it requires careful attention to the flour blend. Simply swapping cake flour for a single gluten-free flour can drastically affect the texture, often leading to a crumbly or dense cookie. It’s recommended to use a combination of gluten-free flours (like rice, almond, or oat flour) and starches (tapioca or potato starch), along with a binder like xanthan gum, to achieve a desirable texture. It might take a bit of experimenting to find your perfect ratio.
Yes, you can substitute butter-flavored shortening or margarine for unsalted butter in an equal swap. This can sometimes result in a slightly softer cookie, as shortening has a higher melting point and 100% fat content compared to butter (which contains water). However, butter provides a richer, more complex flavor profile that many prefer for traditional recipes like Husaren Krapferl.
If your jam is too thick, gently warm it in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave for a few seconds, stirring until it’s a more pliable consistency. If it’s too thin, it might spread too much during baking. You can try adding a tiny pinch of cornstarch (mixed with a tablespoon of water first) to the warmed jam, then simmering briefly to thicken it slightly, or opt for a thicker preserve next time.
Several factors contribute to cookie spread. Ensure your butter is cold when you begin mixing the dough, and thoroughly chill the dough for at least 30 minutes (or longer) before shaping and baking. Also, make sure your oven temperature is accurate; a too-low oven can cause excessive spreading. Using parchment paper also helps maintain shape.
🥚 Delicious Leftover Egg White Recipes
Never let egg whites go to waste! They are fantastic for creating a variety of light and airy desserts. Here are some wonderful recipes where you can put your leftover egg whites to good use:
- Cinnamon Cookies
- Coconut Cookies
- Walnut Meringue Cookies
- Mini Pavlova
If you try this recipe, I would love to hear your feedback! Please take a moment to rate it with a ★★★★★ star rating and leave a comment below. Your thoughts and experiences are invaluable! You can also sign up for our Newsletter to receive delicious homemade recipes weekly, or follow me on Pinterest or Instagram. Don’t forget to share your creations by tagging me @combinegoodflavors and using the hashtag #combinegoodflavors so I don’t miss them!
📖 Recipe: Raspberry Almond Thumbprint Cookies with Ground Hazelnut
Raspberry Almond Thumbprint Cookies with Ground Hazelnut (Husaren Krapferl)
Recipe by Nora
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Equipment
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Sieve
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Tablespoon or cookie scoop
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Piping bag
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Pastry brush
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Mixing bowls
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Parchment Paper
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Baking pan
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Cooling Rack
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups Cake Flour
- 1 pinch Baking Powder
- 1 cup Powdered Sugar
- 1 ¾ teaspoon Vanilla Sugar
- ½ cup Ground Hazelnut
- 3 Egg yolk
- 8 oz Unsalted Butter (room temperature, can be substituted with margarine)
- 1 Egg white for brushing
- 1 ¼ cups Almond slices for sprinkling
- ½ cup Raspberry jam for filling (strained if seedy)
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F). In a large mixing bowl, sift together the 2 ½ cups Cake Flour and 1 pinch Baking Powder.2 ½ cups Cake Flour, 1 pinch Baking Powder
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Make a dent in the center of the flour mixture. Add the remaining dough ingredients in order: 1 cup Powdered Sugar, 1 ¾ teaspoon Vanilla Sugar, ½ cup Ground Hazelnut, 3 Egg yolk, and 8 oz Butter (cut into small pieces).1 cup Powdered Sugar, 1 ¾ teaspoon Vanilla Sugar, ½ cup Ground Hazelnut, 3 Egg yolk, 8 oz Butter
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Working from the center, quickly knead all ingredients into a smooth dough. (Ideally, knead by hand, but a stand mixer with a dough hook can also be used.) Wrap the dough and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
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From the cold dough, scoop out small pieces using a tablespoon or cookie scoop and roll them into smooth balls between your hands.
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Place the dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Using your thumb, create an indentation in the center of each ball.
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Brush the cookies with the 1 Egg white and then sprinkle generously with 1 ¼ cups Almond slices.1 Egg white, 1 ¼ cups Almond slices
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Fill the indentations with ½ cup Raspberry jam using a small teaspoon or, for easier application, a piping bag.½ cup Raspberry jam
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Bake on the bottom half of the preheated oven (190°C / 375°F, top and bottom heat) for 13-17 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
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Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack. Store them in an airtight cookie tin, ideally lined with greaseproof paper, for maximum freshness.
Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data.
🤎 You might also like these delightful recipes!
If you loved these Raspberry Almond Thumbprint Cookies, here are some other wonderful recipes from our collection that you’re sure to enjoy:
- 5 Ingredients Raspberry Cheesecake Thumbprint Cookies
- Cranberry White Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Melt-in-your-Mouth Butterball Cookies
- Easy Cut-Out Sugar Cookies {no chill}
⛑️ Important Food Safety Guidelines
Ensuring food safety is paramount when preparing any meal or baked good. Please keep these general guidelines in mind to protect yourself and your loved ones:
- Cook all foods to their minimum internal temperature (e.g., meat to 165 °F or 74 °C, though not directly applicable to these cookies, good general practice).
- Always use separate utensils, cutting boards, and plates for raw meat and cooked food to prevent cross-contamination.
- Thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water before and after handling raw ingredients, especially eggs or meat.
- Never leave perishable food sitting out at room temperature for more than two hours (one hour if the ambient temperature is above 90 °F / 32 °C).
- Always supervise cooking food, especially on the stovetop or in the oven, to prevent accidents.
- When cooking with oils, choose those with a high smoking point to avoid producing harmful compounds.
- Ensure your kitchen is well-ventilated when using a gas stove to prevent the buildup of harmful fumes.
For more detailed and comprehensive food safety information, please refer to reliable sources such as Safe Food Handling – FDA.