Nussecken Nut Corners

Oh, the delightful aroma of freshly baked goods during the holiday season! German Christmas baking, in particular, serves up a treasure trove of heartwarming treats that instantly evoke feelings of coziness and joy. Today, we’re diving into the world of traditional German baking with a mouthwatering recipe for Nussecken Nut Corners. These delectable pastries are a must-have at any holiday gathering, combining the rich flavors of nuts, buttery pastry, and sweet jam. Let’s get started on creating these irresistible treats that will surely impress your loved ones this Christmas.

Ingredients:

For the dough:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
– 1 large egg
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– Pinch of salt

For the nut topping:
– 1 cup chopped mixed nuts (such as almonds, hazelnuts, and walnuts)
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter
– 3 tablespoons honey
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For assembly:
– 1/2 cup apricot jam
– 1/2 cup dark chocolate, melted

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the cold butter cubes, then using your hands or a pastry cutter, work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

3. Add the egg to the mixture and knead the dough until it comes together into a smooth ball. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.

4. In the meantime, prepare the nut topping. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the chopped nuts, sugar, butter, honey, and vanilla extract. Cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture is well combined and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

5. Take the dough out of the refrigerator and roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick. Transfer the dough to the prepared baking sheet.

6. Spread a thin layer of apricot jam over the rolled-out dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Then, evenly spread the nut mixture over the jam.

7. Bake the Nussecken in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.

8. Allow the Nussecken to cool slightly on the baking sheet before cutting them into triangles or squares while still warm.

9. Once the Nussecken have cooled completely, drizzle them with melted dark chocolate for an extra delicious touch.

Enjoy these Nussecken Nut Corners with a warm cup of tea or coffee, and watch as they quickly become a favorite holiday treat among your family and friends. The combination of crunchy nuts, buttery pastry, sweet jam, and rich chocolate is simply irresistible. Make a batch of these delightful German pastries and spread some festive cheer this Christmas season. Happy baking!