If you’re craving a delightful treat that perfectly balances sweetness and nuttiness, look no further than Nussecken. These traditional German treats are a wonderful mix of buttery shortcrust pastry, rich apricot jam, crunchy nuts, and a decadent chocolate topping. Whether you’re serving them at a holiday gathering or enjoying a cozy afternoon at home, Nussecken are sure to impress your taste buds and elevate your snacking game.
**Nussecken**
Ingredients:
For the Shortcrust Pastry:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
– 1 large egg
– 1/2 tsp baking powder
– 1/4 tsp salt
For the Topping:
– 1 cup apricot jam
– 1 1/2 cups mixed nuts (such as almonds, hazelnuts, and walnuts), finely chopped
For the Chocolate Glaze:
– 1/2 cup dark chocolate, chopped
– 1 tbsp unsalted butter
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal later.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt for the shortcrust pastry. Add in the cold cubed butter and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Add the egg to the mixture and gently knead everything together until a smooth dough forms. Be careful not to overwork the dough.
4. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan, using your hands to smooth it out. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-18 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.
5. While the shortcrust pastry is cooling, spread the apricot jam evenly over the top. Sprinkle the chopped nuts on top of the jam, pressing them down gently.
6. Place the pan back into the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the nuts are lightly toasted. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan.
7. Once the Nussecken have cooled, carefully lift them out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang and transfer them to a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, cut the pastry into diamond-shaped pieces, traditionally about 2 inches in length.
8. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the dark chocolate and butter together in short bursts, stirring in between until smooth. Drizzle the chocolate glaze over the cut Nussecken pieces or dip each corner of the diamond into the chocolate.
9. Allow the chocolate glaze to set before serving. Enjoy your homemade Nussecken with a cup of tea or coffee for the perfect indulgent treat!
Nussecken are a delightful combination of textures and flavors that make them a perfect addition to any occasion, from afternoon tea to holiday celebrations. These sweet, nutty treats are a popular snack in Germany and are sure to become a favorite in your home as well. So why not try your hand at making these irresistible Nussecken and treat yourself and your loved ones today!
