Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will transport your taste buds straight to the charming bakeries of Italy! These decadent Chocolate Dipped Almond Horns are not just a dessert – they're a delightful experience that combines the rich, nutty flavor of almonds with the luxurious smoothness of melted chocolate. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a curious food lover, this recipe promises to transform your kitchen into a slice of Italian pastry heaven.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 12 horns
Ingredients
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of almond flour and 1 cup of all-purpose flour. Whisk them together until well blended.
- In another bowl, cream together 1/2 cup of softened unsalted butter and 1/2 cup of sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add 1 egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Beat until fully incorporated.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms. The dough should be soft but not sticky.
- Using your hands, divide the dough into 12 equal portions. Roll each portion into a log about 4 inches long and shape it into a crescent or horn shape, placing it on the prepared baking sheet.
- Once all the horns are shaped and placed on the baking sheet, bake them in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until they are lightly golden brown.
- While the horns are baking, prepare the chocolate dip. In a microwave-safe bowl, add 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.
- Once the horns are baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes.
- After cooling slightly, dip the end of each horn into the melted chocolate, allowing any excess chocolate to drip off.
- Place the chocolate-dipped horns on a wire rack or a plate lined with parchment paper to set the chocolate. If desired, you can sprinkle some chopped almonds on top of the chocolate before it hardens.
- Allow the chocolate to fully set for about 15-20 minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious Italian Chocolate Dipped Almond Horns!
Tips
- Ensure your butter is truly softened but not melted for the perfect dough consistency.
- Use room temperature egg to help create a smoother, more uniform dough.
- For uniform horns, use a kitchen scale to weigh each portion of dough.
- Don't overbake - the horns should be just lightly golden to maintain their tender texture.
- For a professional touch, use high-quality chocolate and temper it carefully for a glossy finish.
- If the dough feels too sticky, refrigerate it for 15-20 minutes before shaping.
- Allow the chocolate to set completely at room temperature for the best texture and appearance.
- Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to 3-4 days.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 35mg
