Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Almond Horn Cookies

You Haven't Lived Until You Try One of These!

Almond horns are one of the loveliest cookies ever. And I don't use the word lovely too often. Something has to be pretty special for me to refer to it as lovely. So if you have never had an almond horn before, make sure you do so very soon.

You might be wondering why I feel these cookies are worthy of such accolades.

There are several reasons...
1. The texture. They are soft and pliable and melt in your mouth.
2. The almond flavor. Since almonds are one of my favorite nuts, I can't resist the pure unadulterated almond flavor.
3. The crunch. Not only do I love the soft chewy almond center of the cookie, but I also adore the crunch of the sliced almonds covering the outside of the cookie.
4. The chocolate, of course. It makes an amazing cookie-superb.

In closing, you may have to search far and high for one of these treasures, since not every bakery carries them. So I suggest making your own. Be prepared to spend a little extra on this cookie recipe, since it is primarily made with almond paste which is fairly expensive. With that said, it is one of the easiest cookie recipes to make and the outcome will be well worth your time. Believe me.

Almond Horns
recipe by LovenBake.com

1 can (10 oz.) Love'n Bake ™ Almond Paste
¾ cup (5 ½ oz.) cups sugar
1 whole egg
Sliced natural almonds, as needed
½ cup apricot jam
1 cup bittersweet chocolate chips, melted, optional

Preheat oven to 375º F degrees. On slow speed in a mixer with paddle attachment, mix the Love'n Bake ™ Almond Paste with the sugar. Gradually add the egg to create a smooth paste. Mix until well blended. Spread the sliced natural almonds out on a large plate. Scoop a scant ¼ cup of the dough and roll it in the almonds, forming each piece into a 3-inch log.(note: you will only get 9-10 cookies at this size, so I suggest making them 1/2 the size). Curve into a crescent shape and position on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake until the cookies are lightly browned, for about 12 to 15 minutes.(Bake for 6-8 minutes for 1/2 size) While the cookies are baking, heat the apricot jam in a small pan or in the microwave oven until it is spreadable. Set aside. Remove the cookies from the oven then immediately brush each cookie with the melted jam. Cool the cookies on a wire rack then dip the ends into the melted chocolate if using.

13 comments:

LizNoVeggieGirl said...

Delish!!

Maria said...

I love almonds! The cookies look marvelous!

amycaseycooks said...

I would need to double or triple this recipe. I love a sweet treat in the afternoon with tea or coffee. This cookie would be a welcome sight.

Sara said...

Oooh, these are so pretty - I'm sure they taste as good as they look!

Artfully Yours said...

Well, that's what I'll do with that almond paste in my pantry!!
Thanks Annie!

Anonymous said...

these cookies not only looking good but they are delicious you better believe it from a critical person like me,bambola.

Ashley said...

Gorgeous cookies!

Emily said...

Is this the world's most perfect cookie? I think so. :)

Anonymous said...

Annie what a lovely post about Almond Horns and great photo. Thanks for using Love'n Bake. Priscilla Martel, Culinary Director

Anonymous said...

Great story as for me. I'd like to read something more about that topic. Thnx for posting that material.
Joan Stepsen
Indian escorts London

Anonymous said...

do you definitely need a paddle attachment?

Annie said...

I only tried making them with a paddle attachment, but if I didn't have one, it certainly wouldn't stop me from making them.
So if all you have is a hand mixer just use that, it should be fine.
Let me know how they turn out :)

shani said...

Kenmore refrigerator troubleshooting