Rheinische Kakaokugeln

Background

Rheinische Kakaokugeln are a delightful treat hailing from the Rhineland region of Germany. These cocoa balls are a beloved delicacy during the holiday season, known for their rich and chocolatey flavor that pairs perfectly with a warm beverage. Historically, these treats have been enjoyed for generations, often being a centerpiece of family gatherings. Made with simple but high-quality ingredients, their preparation is both a testament to traditional German baking and an exercise in perfecting a classic dessert.

Ingredients

• Butter – 100g
• Powdered Sugar – 50g
• Vanilla Extract – 1 tsp
• All-Purpose Flour – 150g
• Cocoa Powder – 3 tbsp
• Ground Hazelnuts – 50g
• Egg Yolk – 1
• Milk – 2-3 tbsp
• Dark Chocolate – 100g, finely chopped
• Chocolate Sprinkles – for coating

Preparation

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Begin by creaming the butter and powdered sugar together in a bowl until they are light and fluffy. This can be done using a hand mixer or stand mixer. Once creamed, add the vanilla extract and the egg yolk, mixing until fully incorporated.

Step 2: Add Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, sift together the flour and cocoa powder. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until a dough forms. You can use your hands or a spatula to ensure all ingredients are well combined.

Step 3: Mix in Additional Ingredients

Fold the ground hazelnuts and chopped dark chocolate into the dough. If the mixture appears dry or crumbly, add the milk one tablespoon at a time until the dough holds together without being too sticky.

Cooking Process

Step 4: Form the Cocoa Balls

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Take small portions of the dough and roll them into balls approximately the size of a walnut.

Step 5: Coat with Chocolate Sprinkles

Roll each ball in the chocolate sprinkles to coat thoroughly. Place the coated balls on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are evenly spaced.

Step 6: Bake

Bake the cocoa balls in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t overbake. A timer (see cooking timer) may be helpful here. The balls should be slightly firm to touch. Remove from the oven and allow to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

How to Enjoy Rheinische Kakaokugeln

These delightful cocoa balls can be enjoyed at room temperature or slightly warm. Serve them with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate for a truly indulgent treat. They make for a perfect afternoon snack or a wonderful addition to a holiday dessert platter. Store them in an airtight container to maintain their freshness for up to a week.