Nussecken have that satisfying balance of sweet, nutty, and rich flavors that are absolutely perfect not only Christmas, but any time of the year.
Nussecken, or the German Nut Corners recipe, are a yummy treat with a buttery shortbread base, a layer of apricot jam, and a caramelized hazelnut or almond topping with two corners dipped in chocolate glaze. Originally, these were reserved for Christmas time, but they’ve become so popular that you’ll now find them in German bakeries year-round.
My Mutti used to make these, and I remember how hard she tried to adapt the recipe once she’d immigrated to Canada. Despite the challenges of finding the right ingredients (such as hazelnuts), she succeeded in recreating this sweet treat.
Now, as I pair them with a cup of coffee, nussecken have that perfect balance of sweet, nutty, and rich flavors that bring back sweet memories of being with Mutti in the kitchen, doing all that Christmas baking.
A Little Nusseckenhistory
Legend has it, according to the Badische Backstub', that the history of nussecken stretches back to 1763, with their first recorded mention in Bamberg, Franconia. However, they likely date back even earlier. According to the story, during a period of Polish occupation, a Nuremberger baker named Master Wilhelmus Branntwein is said to have created the first nussecken recipe out of necessity.
Facing a shortage of ingredients and left with only hazelnuts and flour, he crafted what would become the “original nussecke.” While this early version wasn’t sweet and much simpler than today's buttery, chocolate-dipped treat, it laid the foundation for a specialty that would become a staple of German bakeries all year round.
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German Nut Corners variations
Choice of Nuts: The recipe calls for almonds since they are more readily available, but you can easily substitute hazelnuts if you prefer a richer, earthier flavor. In fact, some German recipes traditionally use hazelnuts, making them even more authentic.
Try Different Jams: Apricot jam provides a subtle tartness that balances the sweetness of the topping, but you could try other types of jam as well. Raspberry or cherry jam can add a different dimension to the flavor.
How to Cut: Traditionally, I like to make nussecken on the smaller side, as my Mutti did. These mini triangles are perfect for a bite-sized treat. However, you can make them larger if you prefer; just adjust the cutting size after baking. Triangles are traditional, but you can cut out squares or diamond shapes if you prefer. You can also make mini nut bars and dip one end in chocolate.
Extra Spice: For a warmer, more holiday-inspired flavor, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of rum to the nut mixture. This can give the nussecken a hint of festive spice that complements the nuts beautifully.
Chocolate Drizzle: While dipping the corners of the classic German nussecken in dark chocolate is traditional, you could also drizzle melted chocolate over the top for a different look and taste. This can make them easier to handle while still adding that rich chocolate flavor.
How to Serve nussecken
With Coffee or Tea: Nussecken pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee or tea, making it an ideal treat for a cozy kaffeeklatsch.
As a Gift: Wrap a few of these tasty triangles in decorative cellophane or a small box to give as a thoughtful, homemade gift for friends and family.
As Part of a Cookie Platter: Arrange nussecken alongside other German cookies and pastries like lebkuchen, vanillekipferl, or Linzer augen.
Mixed Christmas Cookies on a plate: Nussecken, Linzer Augen, Zitronenplätzchen
How to storeNussecken:
These German nut bars will keep well in an airtight container for several days at room temperature. If you want to make them ahead, they also freeze nicely. Just wrap them individually or layer them between sheets of parchment to prevent sticking.
Ready to bake this German Nut Corners Recipe?
Oma's Nussecken: German Nut Corners Recipe (Triangles)
Nut Corners Recipe: Chocolate-dipped nussecken with a buttery shortbread base, apricot jam layer, and caramelized nut topping—a perfect treat for year-round indulgence.
Make these Skor Bar Cookies - so easy and so delicious - you'll want to make them often. German? Nope! Delicious? Yes! Quick? Yes! Easy for kids to help with.
This super easy pecan bar recipe comes from my German cousin. It's such a quick and easy cookie recipe, that tastes so close to the traditional Nussecken.
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Here's my recipe for lamb stew with a traditional German twist ... hearty, simple, and full of flavor. A one-pot comfort dish just like my Mutti used to make.
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