Best Almond Butterhorns Recipes

Almond butterhorns are a delicious pastry that’s perfect for breakfast or as an afternoon snack. These pastries have a warm, buttery and nutty flavor, making them a delectable treat for anyone who loves flavorful baked goods. The almond butterhorns recipe originated from Germany's crescent-shaped buns known as 'Hörnchen.'

History

The almond butterhorns recipe is a derivative of the traditional German croissant recipe known as 'kipferl.' Similar to croissants, kipferl is a crescent-shaped pastry that is typically made of butter, flour, and sugar. After the kipferl recipe was introduced to America, bakers began to experiment with fillings such as almond paste, raisins or even cream cheese to make it more diverse.

Ingredients

The key ingredients required to make almond butterhorns are flour, butter, sugar, yeast, salt, eggs and, of course, almond filling. The almond filling is made with ground almonds, sugar, egg, and almond extract. Other ingredients could be added or substituted to the recipe based on one's preferences.

Procedure

To make almond butterhorns, the first step is to prepare the dough. Mix the flour, sugar, salt and yeast in a bowl until everything is evenly combined. Add in the butter and eggs into the mixture and knead into a sticky dough. Let the dough rest for up to an hour or until it doubles in size. After that, roll out the dough to make a circle and cut it into triangular wedges. Then spread the almond filling on each wedge and roll them into the iconic croissant shape. Bake the pastries in the oven until they’re golden brown on the outside.

Variations

While the traditional recipe calls for almond filling, there are several other variations one can try out. For example, one can use chocolate spread, Nutella or even fruit jam for a sweeter taste. Alternatively, cheese or ham could be used to create a savory twist on the pastry.

Best Served/Storage

Almond butterhorns are best served fresh from the oven while still warm, allowing the almondy fragrance to permeate the air. However, the pastries could be stored in an airtight container for up to five days, but would need to be reheated before serving. Another suggestion would be to freeze the baked pastries for up to a month and heat them up in the oven when needed.

In conclusion

Almond butterhorns are an excellent choice for anyone who loves sweet and nutty baked goods. They are relatively easy to make, and the ingredient list could easily be modified to match one's preferences. So grab some flour, butter, and almonds and whip up a batch of these heavenly pastries today!

Almond butterhorns are a delicious pastry that is perfect for breakfast or as a snack. It is a crescent-shaped pastry filled with almond paste, butter, and other ingredients. Making almond butterhorns may seem daunting at first, but with the right tips and tricks, you can make a perfect batch every time. In this article, we will share valuable tips when making almond butterhorns recipes.

Tips and Tricks

1. Use High-Quality Ingredients

The quality of your ingredients will affect the taste and texture of your almond butterhorns. Using high-quality ingredients will make your pastry taste better and more authentic. Use unsalted butter, high-quality flour, pure almond extract, and good quality almond paste when making almond butterhorns. It may cost more, but the result will be worth it.

2. Temperature Matters

When baking, the temperature of your ingredients and your kitchen can affect the outcome of your pastry. Ensure that your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature before using them. Cold ingredients will not mix well with your dough and can result in uneven texture. When making the dough, work in a cold environment as this will prevent the dough from becoming too soft and sticky.

3. Proper Kneading of Dough

Kneading the dough is a crucial step in making almond butterhorns. Proper kneading ensures that the dough is soft and pliable, making it easy to shape your almond butterhorns. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth. This will help activate the gluten and give your pastry the perfect texture.

4. Chill the Dough

After kneading the dough, chill it for at least 30 minutes before working with it. This will help the dough to firm up, making it easier to roll and shape. Cover it with plastic wrap or a clean cloth to prevent it from drying out.

5. Rolling and Shaping the Dough

When rolling and shaping your dough, make sure to use a clean, floured surface. Roll your dough into a circle or oval shape, then use a pizza cutter or knife to cut the dough into triangles. Take care not to press too hard, as this might leave an impression on the dough. After cutting, roll each triangle from the larger end to the tip, creating the crescent shape. Make sure to seal the edges to prevent filling from leaking.

6. Use Quality Filling

The filling is the star of the almond butterhorns. Use only high-quality almond paste and pure almond extract when making your pastry. You can also add other ingredients such as brown sugar, cinnamon, and chocolate chips to enhance the flavor of your filling.

7. Egg Wash

Before baking, brush the almond butterhorns with egg wash. This will give your pastry a beautiful golden brown color and a glossy finish. Egg wash also helps to seal the edges of the pastry and keep the filling from oozing out.

8. Bake at the Right Temperature

The baking temperature is critical when making almond butterhorns. Bake your pastry at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until they are golden brown. Be mindful not to overbake as this will result in a dry pastry.

9. Let Them Cool

After baking, let your almond butterhorns cool for about 10-15 minutes before serving. This will allow the filling to set, making it easier to eat. You can also dust your pastries with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.

Conclusion

Making almond butterhorns may seem intimidating at first, but with the right tips and tricks, you can make a perfect batch every time. Remember to use high-quality ingredients, knead the dough properly, chill the dough, use quality filling, and bake at the right temperature. With these simple steps, you can enjoy a delicious and authentic almond butterhorn pastry.