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How to Make Almond Horns
Almond horns are delightful cookies that bring a nutty elegance to any dessert table. With their distinct horn shape and a tantalizing blend of almond paste and chocolate, these treats stand out for their exquisite taste and chewy texture. They’re surprisingly easy to make, bringing a touch of European sophistication to your home baking. Perfect for special occasions or an afternoon snack, almond horns impress friends and family alike.
Why Make Almond Horns
Almond horns offer a variety of benefits that make them a fantastic choice for your next baking adventure.
One reason to make almond horns is their simplicity. The recipe involves minimal ingredients and straightforward methods, making it accessible even for novice bakers.
Their taste is another compelling factor. The rich almond flavor combined with chocolate creates a delectable experience that satisfies any sweet tooth.
Cost-effectiveness plays a significant role as well. With a few pantry staples, you can create a batch of these delightful treats without breaking the bank.
Lastly, almond horns are versatile. Serve them at holiday gatherings, parties, or simply enjoy them with a cup of coffee.
How to Make Almond Horns
Creating almond horns involves a few key techniques that ensure success. You start by mixing almond paste with sugar, building a creamy base that becomes flavorful once the egg white is added. This mixture forms the core of your cookies.
Shaping the dough into logs is where the fun begins. Rolling them in sliced almonds provides a crunchy texture that contrasts beautifully with the soft interior. Baking the cookies allows their shapes to puff up while developing toasty notes from the almonds. Finally, a dip in melted chocolate completes your almond horns, adding a decadent touch and a visually pleasing appearance.
Ingredients
- For the dough:
- 7 ounces almond paste
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg white
- Two pinches of sea salt
- For the coating:
- 1 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- For the chocolate:
- 6 ounces semi- or bittersweet chocolate, chopped or in chips
- For garnish:
- Colored sprinkles (optional)
Directions
- Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cut, tear, or grate almond paste and place in the bowl of a stand mixer. Add sugar and beat until almond paste cannot be broken up any further (3 to 5 minutes).
- Add egg white and salt. Beat until uniform and creamy.
- Place sliced almonds in a shallow bowl. Wet your hands, scoop 1 tablespoon of dough, roll into a 4-inch log, then roll in almonds and shape into a horn.
- Transfer to baking sheet and repeat with remaining dough.
- Bake for 15 minutes, until almonds are toasted and horns are puffed. Let cool completely.
- Melt chocolate and dip ends of cookies, then return to the tray to set. Add sprinkles if desired.
- Store in a tin for up to a week.
How to Serve Almond Horns
Serve almond horns on a decorative platter to let their elegance shine. Pair them with freshly brewed coffee for a delightful afternoon treat or serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert. They also complement a rich hot chocolate or a fragrant chai tea beautifully.
For presentation, arrange the almond horns in a circle, sprinkle with some colored sprinkles, or top with a drizzle of melted chocolate to enhance their visual appeal.
How to Store Almond Horns
Store your almond horns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Make sure they are completely cooled before storing to maintain their texture.
If you want to store them longer, freeze the baked horns for up to a month. For reheating, place them in the oven at 300 degrees F for about 5-7 minutes to regain their softness.
Tips to Make Almond Horns
- Ingredient substitutions: If almond paste is unavailable, you can substitute with marzipan, though it may alter the texture slightly.
- Troubleshooting: If your dough feels too sticky, add a pinch of almond flour or finely ground sugar to make it easier to handle.
- Time-savers: Prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Quality improvements: Use high-quality chocolate for dipping to enhance the flavor of your finished cookies.
- Flavor variations: Experiment with different kinds of nuts, like pistachios or hazelnuts, for a unique twist on the classic almond horn.
FAQs
Can I make almond horns ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the dough and shape the cookies a day in advance. Just refrigerate them until you are ready to bake.
What can I use instead of almond paste?
You can use marzipan as a substitute, but it may result in a sweeter cookie.
How do I prevent my almond horns from spreading?
Ensure your dough is chilled before shaping and baking. This helps them keep their shape in the oven.
Enjoy making and sharing these charming almond horns! They are sure to become a favorite treat in your kitchen.
Almond Horns
Almond horns are delightful cookies featuring a chewy texture and a rich almond chocolate flavor, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Method
Preparation
- Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cut, tear, or grate almond paste and place it in the bowl of a stand mixer. Add sugar and beat until almond paste cannot be broken up any further (3 to 5 minutes).
- Add egg white and salt. Beat until uniform and creamy.
Shaping
- Place sliced almonds in a shallow bowl. Wet your hands, scoop 1 tablespoon of dough, roll it into a 4-inch log, then roll in almonds and shape into a horn.
- Transfer to the baking sheet and repeat with the remaining dough.
Baking
- Bake for 15 minutes, until almonds are toasted and horns are puffed. Let cool completely.
- Melt chocolate and dip ends of cookies, then return to the tray to set. Add sprinkles if desired.
Nutrition
Notes
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to store them longer, freeze the baked horns for up to a month. To reheat, place them in the oven at 300 degrees F for about 5-7 minutes.
