Helena Schnitten are delicate Christmas cookies that combine the richness of butter with the sweet allure of chocolate and sugar.
Their unique texture comes from the perfect balance of finely ground almonds and tender layers of pastry.
Each cookie holds a luscious filling of almond powder, sugar, and egg white, delivering a nuanced flavour and a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
A light glaze of powdered sugar and milk adds an irresistible sweetness to their surface.
Once cooled, these rectangular treats are not only delightful to eat but also a visual gem for holiday celebrations.
Stored in a tin, they remain fresh for weeks, extending the joy of Christmas baking.
Helena Schnitten: the Recipe
I’ve personally tried this recipe, and the photos you see here are my own—proof that these delightful Helena Schnitten are as beautiful as they are delicious!
Ingredients
For the dough:
- 200 g (1 cup) unsalted butter, softened
- 130 g (2/3 cup) sugar
- 75 g (2.6 oz) chocolate, coarsely grated
- 150 g (1 1/4 cups) ground almonds
- 300 g (2 1/2 cups) all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs
- 1 packet (about 2 tsp) vanilla sugar
For the filling:
- 100 g (1 cup) ground almonds
- 100 g (1/2 cup) sugar
- 1 egg white
For the glaze:
- 100 g (3/4 cup) powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk
Instructions
Prepare the Dough:
1. Cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
2. Add the grated chocolate, ground almonds, eggs, vanilla sugar, and flour. Mix until fully combined.
3. Divide the dough into two portions and roll each into a rectangle.
4. To prevent sticking, place a sheet of parchment paper both above and below the dough while rolling.
5. Transfer one rectangle of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, then carefully remove the top sheet of parchment.
Prepare the Filling:
6. In a bowl, combine the ground almonds, sugar, and egg whites to form a smooth mixture.
7. Spread this filling evenly over the rectangle of dough on the baking sheet.
8. Place the second rectangle of dough on top. Remove the parchment paper from the top layer, gently flip it onto the filling, and peel off the final sheet of parchment paper.
9. Use a rolling pin to press the layers gently together for a smooth finish.
Bake:
10. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
11. Bake for approximately 40 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
Glaze:
12. While the cookies are still warm, prepare the glaze by mixing the powdered sugar with a tablespoon of milk. Spread the glaze evenly over the top.
Finishing Touches:
13. Once cooled, cut the cookies into slices and then into small rectangular pieces.
14. Store the cookies in a tin to keep them fresh for several weeks.
Final Words about Helena Schnitten
Savour every bite of these beautifully crafted Helena Schnitten, which bring warmth and sweetness to your holiday gatherings.
Perfect for gifting or sharing, they’re a festive addition to any Christmas tradition.
Find out more!
Check out all our Christmas recipes on the blog!
Learn more about the traditions of Alsatian Christmas Cookies
Read it in French! More French Christmas traditions and celebrations
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