During the holiday season, no Christmas spread is complete without a touch of traditional German baking. These Nussmakronen mit Schokolade, or Nut Macaroons with Chocolate, are a delightful treat that combines the richness of nuts with the decadence of chocolate. Perfect for sharing with loved ones or as a festive gift, these cookies are sure to become a staple in your holiday baking repertoire.
Ingredients:
– 200g ground hazelnuts
– 200g ground almonds
– 200g sugar
– 2 large egg whites
– 100g dark chocolate, chopped
– 50g whole hazelnuts, for topping
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground hazelnuts, ground almonds, sugar, and salt. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg whites until they form stiff peaks.
4. Gently fold the whipped egg whites into the nut mixture until everything is well combined. The mixture should be thick and slightly sticky.
5. Using a spoon or cookie scoop, scoop out small portions of the dough and shape them into small rounds, about 1 inch in diameter. Place the rounds onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each cookie.
6. Press a whole hazelnut into the center of each cookie, gently pushing down to flatten the cookie slightly.
7. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are lightly golden brown.
8. Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. While the cookies are cooling, melt the dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl set over a pot of simmering water or in the microwave in short bursts, stirring frequently until smooth.
10. Once the cookies have completely cooled, drizzle the melted chocolate over the tops of the macaroons using a spoon or a piping bag. Allow the chocolate to set before serving.
These Nussmakronen mit Schokolade are best enjoyed with a cup of hot cocoa or a steaming mug of Glühwein by the fireside. Their rich nuttiness and chocolatey goodness make them a perfect indulgence during the festive season. Share them with friends and family, or package them up in pretty tins for a thoughtful homemade gift that is sure to be appreciated. Embrace the spirit of German Christmas baking with this delightful recipe, and let the flavors transport you to a cozy winter wonderland filled with warmth and joy.
