Homemade German Butterhours
Homemade German Butterhorns are flaky, buttery pastries filled with nuts, perfect for breakfast or dessert, offering rich flavors and a delightful, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Beat eggs; add sugar, shortening, milk, and dissolved yeast. Blend thoroughly.
- Gradually beat in the flour until a smooth dough forms.
- Cover the dough and place it in the refrigerator overnight.
- Next morning, roll out the dough, using one-quarter at a time.
- Spread the rolled dough with melted butter.
- Add chopped pecans or walnuts if desired.
- Roll the dough into horn shapes and place on a greased baking sheet.
- Let the shaped dough rise until doubled in size in a warm place, about an hour.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F for 20 minutes until golden brown.
- Spread with butter frosting before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, consider substituting half of the shortening with unsalted butter. Additionally, if you want to add more flavor, mix in a teaspoon of vanilla extract or cinnamon to the dough. Ensure the yeast is fresh for optimal rise, and if you're short on time, you can let the dough rise in a warm oven to speed up the process.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these delicious butterhorns warm, drizzled with butter frosting for an extra touch of sweetness. They pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or tea, making them perfect for breakfast or as a delightful afternoon snack. For a more festive touch, consider serving with fresh fruit or a side of whipped cream.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover butterhorns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you need to keep them longer, freeze them for up to a month. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to restore their softness and flavor.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Homemade German Butterhours contains roughly 195 calories, with 5g protein, 35g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is a good source of protein (10% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use active dry yeast instead of fresh yeast?
Yes, you can use active dry yeast in place of fresh yeast. Just dissolve it in the lukewarm water and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until bubbly before adding it to the mixture. This ensures it activates properly and gives your butterhorns a good rise.
Is it possible to make these butterhorns ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough a day in advance and let it rise overnight in the refrigerator. This not only saves time but also enhances the flavor. When you're ready, simply roll, shape, and bake them fresh in the morning for a delightful treat.
What can I substitute for vegetable shortening?
If you're looking for a substitute for vegetable shortening, you can use unsalted butter or coconut oil. Both will impart a different flavor and texture, with butter providing a richer taste. Just remember that using butter may slightly alter the dough's consistency, so adjust the flour if necessary.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).