A Bakery-Style Recipe Inspired by Crusty Bun Bakery in Winnipeg
There’s something undeniably special about European pastries, and one that holds a cherished place in German baking is the Mandelhörnchen—or German Almond Horns. These delicate, crescent-shaped cookies are made from soft, almond-rich dough, coated in crunchy almonds, and dipped in smooth dark chocolate. The result? A perfect balance of chewy, nutty, and sweet.
The Inspiration Behind This Recipe
My husband has always been a fan of almond-flavored treats, but nothing compared to the almond crescent cookies he discovered at Crusty Bun Bakery here in Winnipeg. Their soft, marzipan-like interior paired with a crunchy almond exterior had him hooked. Naturally, I had to recreate them at home!
In my version, you’ll notice the almonds on the outside are slivered and chopped—that’s simply because it’s what I had on hand at the time. Ideally, I would have used sliced almonds for a more authentic look and texture, but sometimes you just have to work with what’s in the pantry. Spoiler alert: they still turned out delicious! This version should deliver the soft, marzipan-like center with a crisp almond coating and smooth chocolate dip.
A Brief History of Mandelhörnchen
Mandelhörnchen, which translates to “almond little horns”, are a beloved treat in German bakeries, especially around the holidays. Their crescent shape is a nod to the traditional symbolism of the crescent moon in European baking, often representing luck and prosperity.
The base of these cookies is traditionally made with marzipan or almond paste, giving them that signature chewy, soft center. The exterior is coated in sliced almonds, offering a delightful crunch, and the chocolate-dipped ends make them irresistibly indulgent.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bakery-Quality at Home: Soft and chewy inside, crispy and nutty on the outside.
- Simple Ingredients: Made with basic pantry staples like almond flour, sugar, and chocolate.
- Versatile: Easily adaptable with different types of chocolate or nut coatings.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: These cookies store beautifully and can even be frozen for later!
Tips for Perfect Almond Horns
- Toast the Almonds: Lightly toasting the sliced almonds adds a deeper nutty flavor.
- Use High-Quality Chocolate: A rich, dark chocolate complements the almond flavor beautifully.
- Brush with Honey Glaze: This adds a bakery-style shine and a hint of sweetness to the almonds.
Final Thoughts
These German Almond Horns (Mandelhörnchen) turned out so well that even my husband agreed they tasted just like the ones from Crusty Bun Bakery. Whether you’re making these for a special occasion or just to enjoy with a cup of coffee, they’re sure to become a favorite in your home.
Authentic German Almond Horns (Mandelhörnchen)
Ingredients
- For the Easy Almond Paste (or replace with 200g prepared paste):
1 cup blanched almond flour
1 cup powdered sugar
1/2 large egg white
1/8 tsp fine salt, heaping
3/4 tsp almond extract
- For the Cookies:
Almond paste prepared above (around 200g)
1 cup blanched almond flour
1/2 TBSP vanilla extract
1/2 tsp almond extract
1/4 tsp fine salt
1 large egg white
1 cup powdered sugar
- For the Cookie Exterior:
1 egg white, beaten
100 g sliced almonds (or chopped slivered almonds)
1.5 TBSP honey mixed with 1 tsp hot water
6 oz semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
Directions
- Make the Almond Paste (Skip if Using Store-Bought):
In a food processor, combine almond flour, powdered sugar, egg white, salt, and almond extract.
Pulse on high until smooth and cohesive. - Prepare the Dough:
To the almond paste prepared in Step 1, add almond flour, vanilla extract, almond extract, salt, egg white, and powdered sugar to a mixing bowl or food processor.
Mix until fully combined into a sticky dough. - Shape the Cookies:
Use a 1.5-inch ice cream scoop to portion the dough.
Roll each portion into a ball, then into a log, and shape into a crescent (horn). - Coat with Almonds:
Dip the tops of each crescent into the beaten egg white.
Press into the sliced almonds to coat evenly. - Apply Honey Glaze:
Lightly brush the almond-coated crescents with the honey glaze for a shiny, slightly sweet coating. - Bake:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
For precision, the internal temperature should reach 185°F–190°F for a soft, gooey center. Going above 190°F may dry out the cookies, leading to a firmer texture rather than the gooey center you're aiming for. - Cool the Cookies:
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. - Temper and Dip in Chocolate:
Melt ⅔ of the chocolate over a double boiler. Remove from heat and stir in the remaining chocolate until fully melted (gentle and simplified tempering).
Dip the ends of each cookie into the melted chocolate. Place on parchment to set. - Set and Store:
Let the chocolate set at room temperature or chill briefly for 15 minutes.
Store in an airtight container for up to 2–3 weeks or freeze for several months. Enjoy your rich, almond-filled crescents with a perfect crunch and smooth chocolate finish!
Notes
- Also known as: Almond Crescents, Marzipan Horns, or Almond Horseshoes
- Suggestions for Enhancement (Optional):
Toast the Almonds (Highly Recommended):
Lightly toasting the sliced/slivered almonds before coating will bring out a deeper, nuttier flavor.
Toast at 325°F (165°C) for 5–7 minutes, stirring halfway.
Slight Increase in Almond Extract (Optional):
If you enjoy a stronger almond flavor, you could slightly increase the almond extract in the dough to ¾ tsp. - Slightly More Egg White in Almond Paste (Optional):
If the almond paste feels a bit dry when mixing, adding just a splash more egg white can help make it smoother without compromising structure. - Salt in Chocolate (Optional):
Sprinkling a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on the dipped chocolate ends can balance the sweetness and deepen the flavor.
This version should deliver the soft, marzipan-like center with a crisp almond coating and smooth chocolate dip and a nice twist from a beautiful honey glaze. Just look at it!!!
