Ischler Törtchen – A Little Imperial Bite of History + Original Recipe
Few desserts carry as much history, elegance, and quiet romance as the delicate Ischler Törtchen. The very first authentic Ischlers were created in the legendary Austrian patisserie Zauner, nestled in the magical little town of Bad Ischl - a place so charming that Emperor Franz Joseph and the beloved Empress Elisabeth (Sissi) chose it as their summer residence. It was here, in this fairytale setting, that the young emperor first laid eyes on Sissi and fell hopelessly in love. Their story - tender, tragic, and deeply woven into European history - still echoes through the streets, parks, and palaces of the places they touched. From dreamy Bad Ischl to elegant Budapest, a city Sissi adored, that refined Austro-Hungarian charm lives on. What fascinates me most is that these same places shaped by Sissi’s graceful legacy later became home to some of Europe’s finest patisseries - Zauner in Austria and Gerbeaud in Hungary. And knowing that this exquisite, nutty, chocolate-glazed cookie was born in such an atmosphere only makes every bite feel more special. Because an Ischler Törtchen isn’t just a cookie. It’s a small imperial bite of history. And now you can bring that magic into your own kitchen.
12/12/20251 min read
Ischler Törtchen – Original Recipe (Makes 25–28)
Ingredients
For the Dough:
200 g all-purpose flour
150 g butter
80 g powdered sugar
3 tbsp cocoa powder
1 egg yolk
For the Filling:
150 g sugar
3 eggs
100 g butter
For the Chocolate Glaze:
100 g dark cooking chocolate
5 tbsp sunflower oil
1 tbsp butter
Preparation
1. Prepare the Dough
Mix the flour, cocoa, and powdered sugar in a bowl. Add room-temperature butter and the egg yolk. Knead into a smooth shortcrust dough.
Roll the dough immediately on a floured surface to about 3 mm thickness, then cut out small circles with cookie cutters or a small glass.
Place the circles on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
Bake at 180°C for 13 minutes.
Let them cool completely on the tray — freshly baked they’re very soft and delicate.
2. Prepare the Filling
Using a mixer, beat the whole eggs with sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
Cook over low heat (or over a double boiler) for 15 minutes, stirring constantly.
Note: This cream thickens very slightly while cooking — that’s normal. Don’t overcook it.
Remove from heat and cool while stirring constantly. As it cools, it will naturally thicken. If you leave it to cool without stirring, it may form lumps.
Once completely cool, mix in the softened butter until smooth and creamy.
3. Assemble the Cookies
Spread the cooled filling between two cookies to form little sandwich rounds.
Top each one with warm chocolate glaze.
4. Prepare the Glaze
Melt the chocolate together with the sunflower oil and butter until smooth and glossy.
Glaze each cookie and decorate as desired.
Since Ischlers contain cream filling, store them in a cool place until serving.
Enjoy this royal little treat!
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