If you’re on the hunt for an elegant, melt-in-your-mouth treat, I absolutely love sharing this Almond Horns Cookies with Chocolate Drizzle Recipe with friends. These cookies have the perfect combo of nutty almond flavor and that irresistible touch of chocolate drizzle, making them fan-freaking-tastic for any special occasion or just a cozy afternoon snack. Stick with me, and I’ll guide you through every step to make them just right!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Authentic Almond Flavor: Using almond paste and almond meal gives these cookies a rich, true almond taste that you won’t find in regular cookies.
- Delicate Yet Delightful Texture: The cookies are crisp on the outside but tender and slightly chewy inside—just right for nibbling with tea or coffee.
- Show-Stopping Presentation: The crescent shape covered with toasted sliced almonds and drizzled with chocolate makes these cookies irresistible on any dessert platter.
- Beginner-Friendly Process: I discovered that even if you’re new to nut-based doughs, this recipe’s instructions keep it manageable and rewarding.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients work beautifully to create that signature almond flavor and texture. I always recommend using high-quality almond paste and fresh vanilla for the best results—you really can taste the difference.

- Almond Paste: The heart of these cookies—look for a good-quality almond paste that’s not too sweet or oily.
- Almond Meal: Adds more almond texture and binds the dough; fresh almond meal is best for flavor.
- Confectioners’ Sugar: Helps sweeten without graininess, giving a smooth, tender crumb.
- Egg Whites: Essential for binding and giving the dough that perfect consistency; you’ll use two, but separately.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, inviting aroma and balances the almond flavors nicely.
- Almond Extract: Boosts the almond punch—just a half teaspoon does wonders.
- Sliced Almonds: Blanched almonds toast beautifully on the cookies’ surface and add crunch.
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate: For that irresistible drizzle or dip that contrasts perfectly with the nutty cookies.
- Coconut Oil: Helps the chocolate drizzle set smoothly and gives a glossy finish.
Variations
I love that these Almond Horns Cookies with Chocolate Drizzle Recipe are super adaptable. Depending on your taste or what you have on hand, you can tweak them to suit your mood or dietary needs.
- Nut-Free Version: Once I swapped sliced almonds with finely chopped toasted pistachios for a festive twist—though be mindful if nut allergies are a concern!
- Darker Chocolate Drizzle: Using dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet intensifies the bittersweet contrast, which my family goes crazy for.
- Gluten-Free Assurance: Since the recipe uses almond meal and no flour, it’s naturally gluten-free, but always double-check your extracts and chocolate for hidden gluten.
- Extra Crunch: Toast sliced almonds lightly before coating for enhanced nutty flavor and crunchiness.
How to Make Almond Horns Cookies with Chocolate Drizzle Recipe
Step 1: Preparing Your Workspace and Ingredients
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a large baking tray with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This little prep step saves you from any sticking nightmares later. Also, cut the almond paste into 1-inch slices—this makes it easier to blend smoothly with the other ingredients.
Step 2: Mixing the Dough
In your stand mixer (or a large bowl if using a hand mixer), combine the almond paste, almond meal, and confectioners’ sugar. Beat on medium-low speed until you get pea-sized little balls. When I first tried beating these, I thought maybe it’d take longer, but it comes together pretty quickly, so keep an eye!
Step 3: Adding the Egg White and Extracts
Next, add 1 egg white and the vanilla extract to your mixer and beat until the dough forms into a thick, slightly sticky dough. If it’s too dry, it won’t hold together, but sticking a bit is perfect. Overmixing can make the dough tough, so just mix until combined.
Step 4: Shaping Your Almond Horns
Grab about 1 tablespoon of dough, roll it into a 1-inch ball by hand, then shape it into a small log roughly 3 to 3.5 inches long. I find it easiest to keep my hands lightly floured or damp to avoid too much stickiness here. Shape the rest of your dough the same way.
Step 5: Coating with Almonds
Pour your remaining egg white into a small bowl and have your blanched sliced almonds in another. Using a pastry brush, coat each log with egg white, then gently roll it in the almonds. If they don’t quite stick, gently crush the almonds by hand first like I do—it really helps them adhere better. Finally, bend each log into a crescent shape and place them on your baking sheet spaced about an inch apart.
Step 6: Baking Your Almond Horns
Bake for 13-15 minutes until the tips turn a lovely golden brown. Trust me, that color is your signal that they’re beautifully toasted. After baking, let them cool on the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Handling them while hot will cause breakage, so be patient here.
Step 7: Melting and Drizzling the Chocolate
This is the fun part—melting the chocolate. I prefer using a double boiler method because it melts chocolate gently and evenly. Place your chopped semi-sweet chocolate and coconut oil in a heatproof bowl over simmering water, stirring constantly until smooth. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too—heat in 30-second bursts, stirring between each. Dip the cooled almond horns into the chocolate to coat the tips, then place back on the wire rack to let the chocolate set. The coconut oil gives the chocolate a nice glossy finish and helps it harden just right.
Pro Tips for Making Almond Horns Cookies with Chocolate Drizzle Recipe
- Moisture Balance: I learned that measuring egg whites by weight ensures the dough isn’t too wet or dry, which can make or break your cookie texture.
- Almond Paste Quality: Using fresh almond paste without added oils keeps the dough from becoming greasy and helps with proper binding.
- Almond Coating Trick: Slightly crushing the sliced almonds before rolling the dough really boosts almond adhesion—a game-changer for neat cookies.
- Chocolate Melting Patience: Avoid overheating chocolate at any cost; stirring constantly in a double boiler is the safest way to get silky smooth drizzle.
How to Serve Almond Horns Cookies with Chocolate Drizzle Recipe

Garnishes
I usually keep it simple with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar on the finished cookies for a delicate snowy look. Occasionally, I toss on a few finely chopped toasted pistachios over the chocolate drizzle for a pop of green and extra crunch. It’s all about making those elegant almond horns look as good as they taste!
Side Dishes
These cookies pair beautifully with a cup of espresso or chamomile tea. At family gatherings, I like serving them alongside fresh fruit platters or a simple cheese board—it’s such a lovely light sweet bite to round out a snack spread.
Creative Ways to Present
For holiday parties, I arrange Almond Horns Cookies with Chocolate Drizzle Recipe in a ring on a festive platter, adding sprigs of rosemary for a touch of greenery. Another fun way is to package a small stack tied with ribbon as homemade gifts—they always get rave reviews!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Whenever I have leftovers, I store almond horns in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh and crisp for up to a week, making it easy to enjoy them whenever a sweet craving strikes. Just make sure they’re completely cooled before sealing to avoid any moisture buildup.
Freezing
Freezing works great for these cookies! I like to freeze baked almond horns in a freezer-safe bag with parchment between layers to prevent sticking. They keep up to 3 months, and when I’m ready, I thaw them at room temperature—they taste just as fresh as the day I baked them. You can also freeze the dough for up to a month; just shape and bake when ready.
Reheating
If you want to refresh the crispness, pop the thawed cookies in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes. This quick warming gives you that just-baked texture while keeping the chocolate drizzle intact. Just don’t leave them in too long or they’ll dry out.
FAQs
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Can I substitute almond paste with marzipan for this recipe?
Marzipan is quite similar to almond paste but usually sweeter and finer in texture. You can substitute it, but I’d reduce any additional sugar slightly since marzipan tends to be sweeter. The texture might be a bit softer, but your Almond Horns Cookies with Chocolate Drizzle Recipe will still turn out delicious.
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Why does my almond horn dough feel too sticky or crumbly?
This usually means the moisture balance is off. Make sure you’re measuring egg whites by weight—not volume—and avoid adding too much at once. If it’s too sticky, chill the dough briefly before shaping. If crumbly, add a tiny bit more egg white until it holds together well.
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How do I store these cookies so the chocolate doesn’t melt?
Store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat. Room temperature is ideal unless your kitchen is very warm. If it’s hot, refrigeration might cause condensation, so instead freeze the cookies and thaw before serving.
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Can I make Almond Horns Cookies with Chocolate Drizzle Recipe ahead for a party?
Absolutely! You can make the almond horns a day or two in advance and keep them in an airtight container at room temp. The chocolate drizzle is best added the day of to keep that fresh gloss, but if you’re short on time, drizzle right after baking once they’re cool.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, this Almond Horns Cookies with Chocolate Drizzle Recipe holds a special place in my heart—it’s the kind of cookie that feels like a warm hug in every bite. Whether you’re baking for loved ones or indulging yourself with a mid-afternoon treat, these almond crescents deliver elegance and comfort all at once. I can’t wait for you to try them and see why my family absolutely goes crazy for these. Trust me, once you make these, they’ll become a staple in your cookie repertoire, too!
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Almond Horns Cookies with Chocolate Drizzle Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 16 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: European
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Almond Horns are delicate, crescent-shaped almond cookies coated with sliced almonds and dipped in smooth semi-sweet chocolate. These buttery, nutty treats offer a perfect balance of sweet and nutty flavors with a crisp texture on the outside and a tender, chewy inside. Perfect for holidays or any special occasion, these cookies are easy to make and beautifully elegant.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 7 ounces almond paste, cut into 1 inch slices
- 1 ¼ cup (125 grams) almond meal
- ½ cup (50 grams) confectioners’ sugar
- 2 large egg whites (64 grams), divided
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
- 1 cup sliced almonds, blanched
Chocolate Coating
- ⅓ cup (57 grams) semi-sweet chocolate
- ½ teaspoon coconut oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large baking tray with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a stand mixer or large mixing bowl with a hand mixer, combine the almond paste slices, almond meal, and confectioners’ sugar. Beat on medium-low speed until the mixture forms small, blueberry-sized balls.
- Add egg white and vanilla: Add one egg white (32 grams) and the vanilla extract to the mixture. Beat until a thick, slightly sticky dough forms.
- Shape the dough: Take one tablespoon of dough at a time and roll it into a 1-inch ball. Then shape it into a small log about 3 to 3.5 inches long.
- Coat with almonds: Pour the remaining egg white into a small bowl and place the sliced almonds in a shallow bowl. Use a pastry brush to coat each dough log entirely with egg white, then roll it in sliced almonds. Crushing the almonds slightly will help them stick better.
- Shape almond horns: Bend each almond-coated log into a crescent or U-shape and place on the prepared baking tray, spacing them about an inch apart. You should be able to fit about 12 cookies per pan.
- Bake: Bake the cookies for 13-15 minutes until the tips start turning golden brown. Let the cookies cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Melt chocolate: Melt the semi-sweet chocolate with coconut oil either on the stove using a double boiler method or in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring well after each interval until smooth and completely melted.
- Dip cookies: Once the almond horns have cooled, dip the tips into the melted chocolate to coat them. Place them back on the wire rack and allow the chocolate to set completely before serving or storing.
Notes
- Store almond horns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 7 days.
- For longer storage, freeze the almond horns in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
- You can also freeze the almond cookie dough for up to one month before baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 25 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg

