Description
Nussecken, also known as German Nut Corners, are delightful treats perfect for any occasion. These buttery shortbread triangles are filled with a sweet apricot jam and a crunchy hazelnut topping, then dipped in dark chocolate. They are a popular choice for holiday gatherings and afternoon tea.
Ingredients
Scale
Shortbread Base:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 pinch of salt
- 1 large egg
- 7 tablespoons unsalted butter (cold, cut into pieces)
Nut Topping:
- 3/4 cup apricot jam
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons water
- 2 tablespoons vanilla sugar (or 2 teaspoons vanilla extract)
- 2 1/2 cups chopped hazelnuts or mixed nuts
Chocolate Coating:
- 6 oz dark chocolate (for dipping)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Prepare the shortbread base: In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, egg, and 7 tablespoons of cold butter. Knead into a smooth dough and press evenly into the prepared pan.
- Add the apricot jam: Spread the apricot jam evenly over the dough.
- Make the nut topping: In a saucepan, melt 3/4 cup butter with 3/4 cup sugar, water, and vanilla sugar. Stir in the chopped nuts and mix well. Spread the nut mixture over the jam layer evenly.
- Bake: Bake for 25–30 minutes or until golden brown.
- Cut and dip: Allow to cool completely, then cut into squares and then diagonally into triangles. Melt the dark chocolate and dip the corners of each triangle. Place on parchment to set.
Notes
- Hazelnuts are traditional, but walnuts or almonds also work well.
- You can use seedless raspberry jam as an alternative to apricot.
- Let the bars chill before cutting for cleaner edges.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: German
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 triangle
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 35mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
