During the festive season in Austria, Christmas baking traditions take center stage, delighting homes with the comforting aroma of warm spices and sweet treats. Among the many beloved recipes shared among families are the delicious Haselnusskekse, also known as Hazelnut Cookies. These delightful cookies combine the rich flavors of toasted hazelnuts with a buttery dough, creating a perfect balance of nuttiness and sweetness. Let’s dive into the joy of baking these Austrian Christmas treats at home!
Haselnusskekse Hazelnut Cookies
Ingredients:
– 1 cup toasted hazelnuts
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1 egg yolk
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a food processor, pulse the toasted hazelnuts until finely ground, but be careful not to turn them into hazelnut butter. Set aside.
3. In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add the egg yolk, vanilla extract, and salt to the butter-sugar mixture, and beat until well combined.
5. Gradually add the ground hazelnuts and flour to the wet ingredients, mixing until a smooth dough forms.
6. Shape the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
7. Once the dough is chilled, roll it out on a floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness.
8. Using cookie cutters of your choice, cut out shapes from the dough and carefully transfer them to the prepared baking sheet.
9. Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
10. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
11. Once the cookies are cooled, dust them with powdered sugar for a festive touch.
These delightful Haselnusskekse Hazelnut Cookies are a must-have for your holiday baking repertoire. The nutty crunch of toasted hazelnuts paired with the buttery sweetness of the cookie dough creates a taste sensation that will transport you to the heart of Austrian Christmas traditions. Whether enjoyed with a cup of hot cocoa by the fire or shared with loved ones, these cookies are sure to bring warmth and joy to your home during the holiday season. Get ready to impress your family and friends with a batch of these delicious Austrian treats—they are a true celebration of Christmas cheer!
