Nougat Stars (Nougattaller)

Delicious Nougat Stars Recipe – a Delight for the Taste Buds

Welcome to the sweet and fragrant world of nougat stars! This recipe, also known as "banutei", is a true gem of confectionery, perfect for adding a touch of magic to any occasion. Whether you're celebrating an anniversary, a family reunion, or simply want to treat your loved ones, these delights are sure to bring smiles to everyone’s faces.

The history of these cookies is lost in the mists of time, but it is clear that the love for sweets and the perfect combination of nuts and chocolate have been cherished by generations. These nougat stars are not just a dessert, but also a wonderful way to create memories with loved ones.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 7 minutes
Total time: 27 minutes
Number of servings: 24 stars

Ingredients:
- 200 g butter, at room temperature
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar (about 10 g)
- 75 g sugar
- 1 egg
- 250 g flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 150 g ground nuts (you can use hazelnuts or regular nuts)
- 125 g nougat (hazelnut paste)
- Store-bought chocolate glaze (or homemade, if you prefer)

Step by step for the nougat stars:

1. Preparing the dough:
Start by gathering all the necessary ingredients. Make sure the butter is soft and at room temperature – this is the secret to a tender and delicious dough. In a large bowl, combine the butter with the sugar and vanilla sugar. Use an electric mixer or a spatula to mix them until you achieve a creamy and fluffy mixture.

2. Adding the egg and dry ingredients:
Add the egg to the butter and sugar mixture and continue to mix until everything is well incorporated. In another bowl, mix the flour with the baking powder and ground nuts. Then, gradually incorporate the dry ingredient mixture into the wet mixture, mixing with a spatula or your hands until you obtain a homogeneous dough.

3. Shaping and cutting the dough:
Press the dough onto a lightly floured work surface, forming a sheet about 6 mm thick. Use star-shaped cookie cutters or any other desired shape to cut out the cookies. Place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, leaving a little space between them, as they will expand slightly during baking.

4. Baking:
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Bake the cookies for 7 minutes or until the edges turn slightly golden. It is important not to leave them too long, as you want them to remain tender and delicate.

5. Preparing the nougat filling:
While the cookies are cooling, melt the nougat in a double boiler or microwave, being careful not to burn it. Stir until it becomes a smooth paste.

6. Assembling the stars:
Once the cookies have cooled completely, take two pieces and spread them with melted nougat, sticking them together. This will add a rich flavor and wonderful texture to the cookies.

7. Decorating:
Now comes the fun part! Prepare the chocolate glaze. I prefer to put it in a thicker plastic bag, like those for freezing, cutting a small tip to create an opening. Use this bag to decorate the cookies, creating stripes or shapes according to your imagination.

Helpful tips:
- Choose quality ingredients: Use good quality butter and natural vanilla sugar for a more intense flavor.
- Chocolate option: If you like, you can also use white chocolate or milk chocolate for the glaze, for a sweeter note.
- Add spices: A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg in the dough will add a warm and comforting aroma.

Nutritional benefits:
These nougat stars are a good source of energy due to the nuts, which are rich in healthy fats, proteins, and vitamins. Of course, consume in moderation, considering that they are also quite caloric.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I replace the nuts with other nuts? Yes, you can use almonds or pecans for a different flavor.
- How can I store the cookies? Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature, where they will stay fresh for a few days.
- Can they be frozen? Yes, you can freeze the assembled cookies, but it is better to freeze them before adding the glaze.

Serving:
These nougat stars are delicious alongside a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a fragrant tea. They are also perfect as a personalized gift, beautifully packed in decorative boxes.

Now you are ready to prepare these nougat stars at home! Every bite will be an explosion of flavors, and the preparation process will bring you joy and satisfaction. Don’t forget to enjoy every moment spent in the kitchen and share the result with your loved ones. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: 200 g butter, 1 packet vanilla sugar, 75 g sugar, 1 egg, 250 g flour, teaspoon baking powder, 150 g ground hazelnuts, 125 g nougat (hazelnut paste), store-bought chocolate glaze

 Tags:  nougat stars