Introduction
Indulge in the delightful experience of baking with these traditional Greek almond cookies, renowned for their rich flavor and satisfying crunch. Perfect for enjoying with a warm cup of tea or coffee, these treats are not only delicious but also easy to prepare. With a few simple ingredients and step-by-step instructions, you can bring a taste of Greece into your home.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
– 2/3 cup (100g) blanched almonds
– 2 1/2 cups plain flour (all-purpose flour)
– 4 teaspoons baking powder
– One pinch cooking salt / kosher salt
– 250g (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup white sugar (or caster sugar)
– 1 large egg, at room temperature (~50g / 2oz in shell)
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Decoration:
– 1 egg white, lightly whisked
– 1/4 cup almond flakes
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: Approximately 24 cookies
Enjoy the process of making these almond cookies and delight in their beautiful presentation and exquisite taste!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven:
Set the oven to 180°C/350°F (160°C fan-forced). Lightly grease two large baking trays and line them with baking paper.
2. Prepare the Almonds:
Optional: Roast the blanched almonds for 7 minutes to enhance their flavor. Allow them to cool. Crush the almonds into coarse pieces using a food processor or by placing them in a ziplock bag and bashing with a rolling pin.
3. Make the Dough:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. In a separate bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar with a handheld beater until light and fluffy, about 1.5 minutes on medium-high speed. Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture; beat until combined. Gradually add the flour mixture in three parts, beating on medium speed after each addition until just combined. Stir in the crushed almonds until evenly distributed.
4. Form the Cookies:
Scoop 2-tablespoon portions of dough (using a #40 cookie scoop) and roll into balls. Slightly flatten each ball to about 2 cm (0.8 inches) thick. Place the cookies on the prepared trays, spacing them 4 cm (1.6 inches) apart.
5. Decorate:
Brush the tops of the cookies with the lightly whisked egg white. Sprinkle a pinch of almond flakes on each cookie.
6. Bake:
Bake both trays together for 20 minutes, or until the cookies are light golden in the center and slightly more golden at the edges.
7. Cool:
Allow the cookies to cool on the trays for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Storage:
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
Variations:
Feel free to substitute the white sugar with brown sugar or experiment with adding spices like cinnamon for a different flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions:
These cookies pair beautifully with coffee or tea and can also be enjoyed as a sweet snack throughout the day.
Cook techniques
Roasting Almonds
To enhance the flavor of blanched almonds, consider roasting them in the oven for about 7 minutes at 180°C (350°F). Allow them to cool before crushing to release their rich aroma.
Creaming Butter and Sugar
Beat the softened unsalted butter and sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process aerates the mixture, creating a light texture in the final cookies.
Mixing Techniques
When adding the flour mixture to the butter mixture, do so gradually in three parts. Beat on medium speed until just combined to avoid overmixing, which can lead to tough cookies.
Forming Cookies
For uniform cookies, use a #40 cookie scoop to portion the dough. Rolling the dough into balls before slightly flattening them ensures even baking and a consistent shape.
Brushing and Decorating
Before baking, brush the tops of the cookies with lightly whisked egg white and sprinkle almond flakes on top. This adds a beautiful shine and extra crunch to your cookies.
Baking Process
Bake the cookies in a preheated oven for about 20 minutes, ensuring they are light golden in the center and slightly darker at the edges for the perfect texture.
Cooling Cookies
After baking, let the cookies cool on the trays for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This prevents them from breaking and allows them to firm up.
FAQ
Can I use other types of nuts instead of almonds?
Yes, you can substitute with other nuts such as hazelnuts or walnuts, but this will change the flavor profile of the cookies.
What can I use instead of unsalted butter?
You can use margarine or a dairy-free substitute, but the texture and flavor may vary slightly.
Can these cookies be frozen?
Yes, after baking and cooling, the cookies can be frozen in an airtight container. Thaw before serving for the best texture.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
The cookies should be light golden in the center and slightly darker at the edges. They will also firm up as they cool.
What can I do if my cookie dough is too dry?
If your dough is too dry, you can add a small amount of milk (1 tablespoon at a time) until you achieve the desired consistency.
Conclusion
These delightful almond cookies are a perfect blend of buttery goodness and nutty flavor, making them an ideal treat for any occasion. Their crunchy texture and roasted almond topping create a beautiful cookie that pairs perfectly with a hot beverage. Enjoy the satisfaction of homemade treats that are both simple to make and impressive to serve.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Hazelnut Biscotti
Swap almonds for chopped hazelnuts in the cookie dough, and add a hint of orange zest for a fragrant twist.
Coconut Almond Cookies
Incorporate shredded coconut into the dough to add a tropical flair and a chewy texture.
Chocolate Chip Almond Cookies
Mix in semi-sweet chocolate chips along with the crushed almonds for a decadent chocolate-almond combination.
Spiced Almond Cookies
Add ground cinnamon and nutmeg to the flour mixture for a warm spiced flavor that pairs well with the almonds.
Almond Joy Cookies
Enhance the cookie by adding mini chocolate chips and a sprinkle of shredded coconut to recreate the famous candy bar.
