German Walnut Shortbread Ecken Grandmas Cozy Corners

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Fancy a taste of a German Christmas? Ever wondered how to make German Walnut Shortbread Cookies ? This recipe brings festive cheer to your kitchen, and it is dead easy.

The nutty, buttery flavors will have you hooked!

Brief Overview

German Christmas Cookies have a long history. These German shortbread cookies offer a delightful twist on the classics. This is a medium difficulty recipe, taking about 1 hour 50 minutes total.

The recipe yields roughly 24 cookies.

Main Benefits

These Walnut Cookies are packed with good fats from the walnuts. Perfect for sharing during the holidays or a cosy cuppa.

What makes this recipe special? It's a taste of home, like Oma used to make, and far better than shop bought German Desserts .

Cracking into the Dough: Making Magic with Shortbread

Right then, let's get this show on the road. I'm going to take you through making the shortbread, and believe me, it's easier than putting the kettle on.

I've had my share of shortbread disasters, honestly. This German shortbread recipe promises a crumbly texture and rich flavour that'll knock your socks off.

The Nutty Nirvana: Getting Your Walnut Topping Spot On

Oh my gosh, the walnut topping! It is what truly makes these German Cookies special. This part involves melting butter, sugar, and honey.

Then, you add your spices and those yummy chopped walnuts. The key is to watch it like a hawk. That topping needs to be thick and glossy, not burnt to a crisp!

Baking Bliss: The Home Stretch

Now it is time to roll out that dough. Spread your nutty concoction on top. I reckon a pizza cutter works wonders for cutting the shapes.

Then, pop them into the oven. Bake until they're golden brown and smelling divine. This is where patience comes in.

Once cooled, these Homemade shortbread cookies practically melt in your mouth. I'll tell you what though, these Easy German cookies are worth their weight in gold.

They make the perfect Christmas cookie recipe German .

Right then, let's talk shop about what you’ll need for these utterly scrummy German Walnut Shortbread Cookies made, inspired by classic Walnussecken . Honestly, they taste like Christmas, but better.

Ingredients & Equipment: Cracking the Code

Making these German Christmas cookies is easier than you think. You just need the right stuff. It's like having the cheat codes to a video game. Let's break it down.

Main Ingredients: The Good Stuff

These are the building blocks. Pay attention to quality, yeah?

• Unsalted Butter: 225g (1 cup), cold and cubed. This is crucial, so proper fridge cold butter is key.
• Granulated Sugar: 75g (⅓ cup + 1 tbsp). Just regular white sugar will do.
• Large Egg Yolk: 1. Go for free range if you can.
• Vanilla Extract: 1 tsp . Proper stuff, not the artificial kind.
• All-Purpose Flour: 300g (2 ½ cups). Plain flour is fine.
• Pinch of Salt.
• Cold Milk or Water: 1-2 Tbsp , if needed.
• Unsalted Butter: 120g (½ cup) (for the walnut topping). Again, proper quality.
• Granulated Sugar: 75g (⅓ cup + 1 tbsp) (for the walnut topping).
• Honey or Golden Syrup: 2 Tbsp (for the walnut topping). Lyle's Golden Syrup is the bomb.
• Heavy Cream: 100ml (slightly less than ½ cup) (35% milkfat min) (for the walnut topping).
• Ground Cinnamon: 1 tsp (for the walnut topping). A must for festive warmth.
• Ground Nutmeg: ½ tsp (for the walnut topping). Freshly grated is better.
• Walnuts: 250g (2 ½ cups), finely chopped (for the walnut topping). Make sure they're fresh and not bitter.

Apricot Jam, strained (for Glazing) -- Optional to add that final je ne sais quoi .

Quality indicators for the butter and walnuts only. Get the best butter and freshest walnuts you can afford. It makes a HUGE difference.

Seasoning Notes: Flavour Bombs

Let's talk flavour. Essential spice combinations here are cinnamon and nutmeg. These two are best friends. Add a pinch of ground cloves or cardamom. This spice will add a warmer, spicier flavour.

Flavour enhancers and aromatics: Vanilla extract and honey or golden syrup. They round everything out.

Quick substitution options: If you don't have honey, golden syrup or even corn syrup, will do in a pinch.

Equipment Needed: The Essentials

Alright, no fancy kit needed. I am talking essentials only!

• Large mixing bowl.
• Electric mixer (optional, but helpful).
• Rolling pin.
• Baking sheets.
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
• Saucepan.
• Pizza cutter or sharp knife.
• Wire rack.

Essential tools only: These will help you to make homemade shortbread cookies really easy. Common household alternatives: No baking mats? Baking parchment will work fine!

Honestly, don't stress if you don't have everything. Just get creative! You know? These German desserts are worth the effort. Enjoy your German Baking !

Alright, let's dive into making German Walnut Shortbread Cookies made from scratch! Honestly, there's nothing quite like the smell of these baking in the oven, especially around Christmas.

It just screams "festive cheer," doesn't it? I’ve had my share of Christmas baking fails, you know? A few dodgy gingerbread men and exploded mince pies.

But these German Cookies are a total win.

Prep Steps: Your Mise en Place Mission

Essential Goodies and Gear

Right then. Before you even think about turning on the oven, let's get our ducks in a row. You'll need:

• 225g cold, cubed butter
• 75g sugar
• 1 egg yolk
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 300g flour
• Pinch of salt
• Maybe 1-2 Tbsp milk
• For the nutty topping: 120g butter, 75g sugar, 2 Tbsp honey or golden syrup, 100ml heavy cream, 1 tsp cinnamon, ½ tsp nutmeg, and 250g chopped walnuts.

Time Saving Tips

Chop those walnuts now! Measure everything out. This easy German cookies recipe becomes even easier if you're organized. Trust me on this!

Safety First

No one wants a trip to A&E. Keep your fingers out of the way of the food processor. Don’t be like me that one time, ouch!

step-by-step: From Dough to Delight

Crafting the Shortbread

1. Cream the cold butter and sugar.
2. Beat in the egg yolk and vanilla.
3. Gradually mix in flour and salt. Add milk only if needed.
4. Wrap the dough and chill for at least 1 hour .
5. Simmer butter, sugar, honey, and cream for the topping. Then, stir in cinnamon, nutmeg, and walnuts.

Assembling and Baking

1. Roll out the chilled dough.
2. Spread with walnut topping.
3. Cut into triangles, or whatever shape takes your fancy.

Baking for Gold

Bake at 175° C/ 350° F for 15- 20 minutes , until golden brown. Let the cookies cool on baking sheets. A slight golden tinge is what you are after.

Pro Tips: Elevate Your German Baking

Top Techniques

• Don't overmix the dough.
• Chill the dough.

Avoiding Disasters

The biggest mistake? Overbaking. Keep an eye on them. Rotate the baking sheets.

make-ahead Magic

The dough can be made a day ahead. Wrap it well and store it in the fridge. It makes life easier doesn’t it.

Or even better, freeze. Homemade shortbread cookies never tasted so good.

This German shortbread recipe is based on Walnussecken recipe, but made a bit simpler. You can experiment with it by using different nuts.

Also, feel free to use a little bit more cinnamon. So there you have it. German Christmas cookies , ready to bring a bit of warmth to your kitchen.

Happy baking!

Alright, let's talk recipe notes. These German Walnut Shortbread Cookies made with love, not just measurements. These are like edible hugs. Honestly, this German shortbread recipe isn't just instructions. It's a journey.

Serving Up Happiness

Plating Like a Pro

Presentation is everything. You know? A simple dusting of icing sugar makes these homemade shortbread cookies look like they came straight from a snowy German village.

Place them artfully on a plate. Use a festive ribbon to tie it all together. These German Christmas Cookies deserve the royal treatment.

Perfect Pairings

These Walnut Cookies go perfectly with a steaming mug of Glühwein. A cup of strong coffee is also a winner. Fancy a non-alcoholic option? Try apple cider.

Storage Secrets

Cool and Collected

Store leftover Walnussecken recipe cookies in an airtight container. Keep them at room temperature. They'll stay fresh for up to five days. Keep them away from sunlight, and excess humidity.

Freezing for the Future

These easy German cookies freeze beautifully. Wrap them individually. Then place them in a freezer bag. They will stay great for up to two months.

Thaw them at room temperature before serving. I once froze a batch and forgot about them. They were still amazing weeks later!

Reheating Recommendations

No need to reheat. The German Desserts are great at room temperature. Honestly, you could put them in the microwave for few second for warm experience.

Twist and Shout (Variations)

Dietary Tweaks

Need a gluten-free version? Use a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it contains xanthan gum. Want a dairy-free version? Use plant based butter. Use non-dairy cream for the topping.

Seasonal Swaps

During autumn, add a pinch of pumpkin spice. In the summer, add lemon zest to the dough. Trust me on the lemon!

Nutrition Nuggets

Simple Stats

Each cookie is approximately 220 calories. They also offer 3g of protein. There's 15g of fat and 18g of carbohydrates. Sugar measures 8g. These are just estimates. Always check your ingredients.

Health Perks

The walnuts provide healthy fats and antioxidants. Cinnamon adds warmth and has anti inflammatory properties. This Christmas cookie recipe German is tasty and good for you. Who knew?

So, there you have it. Go bake some German Baking magic! Don't be afraid to experiment, and enjoy every delicious bite!