Hausfreunde

Hausfreunde are classic German Christmas cookies. In order to make them, a few layers of crispy shortcrust pastry are covered with apricot jam and almond paste, then dipped in dark chocolate and garnished with caramelized walnuts on top. The ingredients usually include flour, sugar, butter, eggs, salt, vanilla, almond paste, dark chocolate, apricot jam, and walnut halves. Before serving, the chocolate should be left to fully set. The name of these cookies means friend of the house, probably because they are easy to prepare and keep for unexpected guests during the festive Christmas season.