Marillenknödel
Marillenknödel are delightful apricot dumplings, a cherished dish in Austrian cuisine. Made from a sweet dough, these dumplings are filled with ripe apricots and gently boiled, creating a comforting dessert that's both traditional and delicious.

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Illustrated cooking guide
Step-by-step visual method
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Written method
Instructions
Read through once, then cook at your own pace with the illustrated guide above.
- 1
Start by boiling the potatoes in their skins until tender. Once cooked, let them cool slightly, then peel and mash them finely.
- 2
In a bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, flour, egg, sugar, and salt. Mix everything until you have a smooth dough.
- 3
Take a small piece of the dough and flatten it in your hand. Place a halved apricot in the center, then wrap the dough around the apricot, sealing it tightly to form a dumpling.
- 4
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Gently drop the dumplings in, cooking them in batches for about 10-12 minutes or until they float to the surface, indicating they are done.
- 5
While the dumplings cook, melt the butter in a pan, add the breadcrumbs, and toast until golden; stir in the sugar off the heat.
- 6
Drain the cooked dumplings well and roll them in the warm buttered breadcrumbs before serving.
Cook notes
Tips
Use ripe apricots for the best flavor.
Do not overwork the dough to keep the dumplings light and fluffy.
Cook smarter
Helpful notes
Practical storage, serving, swap, and troubleshooting notes for a better first try.
Storage Tips
- Store leftover cooked dumplings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- To reheat, steam the dumplings instead of boiling to preserve their texture.
Substitutions
- You can substitute the apricots with plums or peaches for a different flavor.
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free all-purpose flour.
What to Serve With
- Serve with a dollop of whipped cream.
- Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
- Accompany with a light dusting of powdered sugar.
Common Mistakes
- Avoid overcooking the dumplings, as they can become mushy.
- Make sure the dough is not too sticky when shaping the dumplings; add a bit more flour if needed.
Recipe FAQ
Can I use frozen apricots for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen apricots; just make sure to thaw and drain them before using.
How do I know when the dumplings are done cooking?
The dumplings are done when they float to the surface of the boiling water.
Can I make these dumplings ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dumplings and refrigerate them before cooking, but cook them fresh for the best texture.
Kitchen tools
Helpful Tools for This Recipe
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Rice cooker
Good for steady rice, grains, and meal-prep bowls.
Blender
Helpful for smooth sauces, soups, marinades, and purees.
Skillet
Useful for browning, quick sautes, and weeknight one-pan cooking.
Chef knife
A basic prep tool for vegetables, herbs, aromatics, and proteins.
Cutting board
Keeps prep organized for chopping, slicing, and staging ingredients.
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