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Home » World Cuisine

Engelsaugen-Kulleraugen

Dated: December 11, 2022 . Modified: Dec 14, 2022 by Kate Hahnel

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Engelsaugen (German Thumbprint Cookies)

Enjoy these classic German thumbprint cookies (known as Engelsaugen or Kulleraugen). These delicious cookies with tender jam-filled centers are bound to be a hit during the Christmas period and beyond!

A plate of Kulleraugen

These Christmas cookies literally melt in your mouth. They are aromatic, buttery and taste amazing. They are the cookies you want to bake if you are a beginner, as they are very easy to make. They are also loved by adults and kids alike plus, you can make them gluten-free.

what does the name Engelsaugen mean?

Germans are notorious for giving their food interesting names. Kalter Hund (cold dog cake), Arme Ritter (German French Toast) and Katzenzungen (cat tongues) are just a few examples. The name Engelsaugen literally translates to angels' eyes, probably because of the jam-filled centres that somehow resemble eyes.

They are also known as hussar's donuts (the hussars were members of a light cavalry in Europe and comprising of Hungary, Poland, Serbia, and Croatia during the 15th and 16th century).

My research on the origins of the cookies did not amount to much, other than there is a likely relationship between the cookies and the Hussar soldiers. The name Kuller refers to a small marble in German, depecting a relationship between the name Kulleraugen (big round eyes) and the shape of the cookies.

ingredients

Ingredients needed to make German Engelsaugen cookies.
  • all-purpose baking flour - substitutable on a 1:1 ratio with storebought gluten-free all-purpose flour.
  • room temperature butter or margarine.
  • sugar, vanilla sugar, a pinch of salt (not pictured), and some powdered sugar.
  • egg yolk(s)- you will need one or two, depending on how big your eggs are.
  • grated peel of one lemon and some fresh lemon juice (not pictured).
  • jam - feel free to use any jam flavor that you love.

These ingredient notes above are meant as a guide to assist you in making this recipe a success. Check out the recipe card below for the exact ingredient measurements.

when should the cookies be filled and when should I start baking Christmas cookies?

At what point should one fill the Kulleraugen with jam? Before or after baking? I know I have asked myself this question in the past. The answer is, it really depends on you.

You can choose to fill them up before or after baking. I personally find that they look prettier, filled after baking, as the centres (Augen or eyes) of the cookies stand out more once dusted with powdered sugar.

And just in case you are wondering when you should start baking Christmas cookies, you want to start baking shortly before the first Advent, as a general rule. Seeing that some cookies only have a short shelf-life, it is good to check so you can plan your baking accordingly.

variations

Traditionally, Engelsaugen are filled with red currant jelly (Johannisbeergelee) but people use all sorts of delicious fillings nowadays.

You can also add ground hazelnuts, or almonds, or some marzipan to the dough. Here are a few filling variations that we love!

  • peanut butter.
  • any type of nougat, such as nutella.
  • lemon curd.
  • or simply use your favorite jam!

Related recipes: For more holiday cookie recipes, try our keto chocolate crinkle cookes, or these beautiful and tasty chocolate peppermint kiss cookies!

storing the baked Engelsauen (Kulleraugen)

Allow the cookies to cool completely before storing them in an airtight cookie jar. They can be kept on the countertop for up to one week; after that they start getting dry and crumbly.

While you can refregerate them, I do not recommend it as they tend to dense up in the fridge.

A plate of Engelsaugen (German thumbprint cookies with jam).

more world cuisine recipes

You certainly want to check out these tasty recipes from around the world!

  • Pannekoek (South African Pancakes)
  • Liver and Onions (American)
  • Kachumbari (East African Tomato and Onion Salad)
  • Arme Ritter (German French Toast)
  • Keto Vanillekipferl (German Keto Vanilla Crescent Cookies)
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try these tasty cookie recipes

  • Black Bat Halloween Sugar Cookies
  • Savoury Turkish Cookies
  • Vanillekipferl Crescent Cookies
  • Zimtschnecken - German Cinnamon Roll Cookies
  • Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies

Enjoy making this recipe! Be sure to give it a review ⭐ below!

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📖 Recipe

A plate of Engelsaugen (German thumbprint cookies with jam).

Engelsaugen (Kulleraugen)

Kate Hahnel
Enjoy these classic German thumbprint cookies (known as Engelsaugen or Kulleraugen). These delicious cookies with tender jam-filled centers are bound to be a hit during the Christmas period and beyond!
5 from 5 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 11 minutes mins
Resting Time 30 minutes mins
Total Time 51 minutes mins
Course Dessert, Snack
Cuisine German, World Cuisine
Servings 30
Calories 65 kcal

Video

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Ingredients
  

  • 100 g butter (about ½ a cup)
  • 50 g sugar (approx. ¼ cup)
  • 2 small egg yolks (use one yolk if using a medium to large egg)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla sugar
  • pinch of salt
  • grated peel (rind) of one lemon
  • 180 g all-purpose flour
  • 3-5 tablespoon jam or marmalade
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 3 tablespoon powdered sugar for topping

Instructions
 

  • In a medium-sized bowl, whisk the butter and sugar until creamy. Add the egg yolks, vanilla sugar, and grated rind (peel) of lemon and combine.
    100 g butter, 50 g sugar, 2 small egg yolks, 1 teaspoon vanilla sugar, grated peel (rind) of one lemon
    Egg yolks added to a bowl of beaten butter and sugar.
  • Gradually add and mix in the all-purpose flour, scraping the bowl accordingly, if necessary. Add a pinch of salt and combine until you obtain a smooth and homogenous dough. Allow the dough to chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
    180 g all-purpose flour, pinch of salt
    A cookie dough for making Engelsaugen.
  • Scoop the dough into small balls (about the size of a tablespoon) and roll them into smooth balls between the palms of your hands.
  • Line two baking trays with parchment paper and preheat the oven to 375°F. Place the rolled dough balls on the trays then press your thumb or the back of a spoon on the center of each cookie, to create a hole.
    An overhead picture showing how to make this recipe.
  • Bake the cookies, one sheet at a time, for 11-12 minutes or until the edges start to turn brown. Once done, remove the tray from the oven, and allow the cookies to cool completely before filling them.
  • In a small bowl, prepare the filling by combining jam and the lemon juice.
    3-5 tablespoon jam or marmalade, 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Using a teaspoon, fill the cookies with the jam filling (see notes). Dust the Engelsaugen with powdered sugar, then serve or store them in airtight cookie jars.
    3 tablespoon powdered sugar

Notes

Engelsaugen (Kulleraugen Baking Tips)
  • To prevent the cookies from spreading, do not overmix the butter.
  • Allow the dough to chill in the fridge before baking it as this helps the cookies keep their form.
  • If you notice the dough is too warm as a result of the heat from the palm of your hands, pop it back in the fridge for about 10 minutes so it firms up.
  • You can choose to fill the cookies before or after baking.
  • If using only one baking tray to make batches, allow the baking tray to cool completely before baking subsequent batches. This helps prevent the cookies from spreading.
  • Allow the cookies to cool completely before transferring them from the baking tray.
  • For the best flavor, use good-quality jam or marmalade.
Nutritional information is an estimate for 1 serving using the ingredients listed (excluding the optional ones), calculated using tools we use. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and specific ingredients you use. The total time includes the time it takes to rest the Kulleraugen dough in the fridge.
 

Nutrition

Calories: 65kcalCarbohydrates: 8gProtein: 1gFat: 3gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.2gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 23mgPotassium: 11mgFiber: 0.2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 101IUVitamin C: 0.4mgCalcium: 4mgIron: 0.3mg
Tried this recipe? I would love it if you could leave a rating by clicking on the stars above on this recipe card.Pin this recipe on Pinterest or tag me out on socials @weeatatlast. I love seeing your creations.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Tiane

    November 13, 2023 at 9:35 pm

    These are classic thumbprint cookies with a German twist. Classic Engelsaugen are baked with the jam in the middle. That’s what sets them apart from American thumbprint cookies. 🙂 Thanks for the recipe!

  2. Jazz

    January 04, 2023 at 5:29 pm

    5 stars
    I love the lemon and vanilla sugar in these cookies! Really sets them apart from more American style thumbprints I've tried. Will be making them again.

    • Kate Hahnel

      January 05, 2023 at 11:30 pm

      Thank you! Yes, the lemon and vanilla really bring out the flavors in these cookies.

  3. Robin

    December 22, 2022 at 11:40 am

    5 stars
    I decided to whip up a batch of these for my friends just before Christmas. I loved the ease of the recipe - and everyone loved the taste!

    • Kate Hahnel

      December 23, 2022 at 11:09 am

      We love them too. Glad I could be of help.

  4. Marta

    December 22, 2022 at 12:43 am

    5 stars
    I haven't had engelsaugen since I lived in Germany and missed them so much. Your recipe was better than I remembered them, so I will be making them often.

    • Kate Hahnel

      December 23, 2022 at 11:09 am

      Thank you very much! I am so glad you loved them!

5 from 5 votes (2 ratings without comment)

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