Delve into the warm and inviting world of Spanish Christmas baking with the delightful recipe for Alfajor De Almendra, a scrumptious Almond Alfajor that will fill your home with festive aromas and your taste buds with joy. These sweet treats are a perfect addition to your holiday dessert table, combining the nutty flavors of almonds with a touch of sweetness that will surely captivate your friends and family. Let’s gather our ingredients and embark on a culinary journey that celebrates the spirit of Christmas through delectable delights!
**Alfajor De Almendra Almond Alfajor**
**Ingredients:**
– 2 cups of blanched almonds
– 1 cup of granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
– Zest of 1 lemon
– 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract
– 2 egg yolks
– 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, softened
– 2 cups of all-purpose flour
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
**Instructions:**
1. Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a food processor, pulse the blanched almonds until finely ground. Be careful not to over-process as you want a slightly coarse texture for added crunch in your alfajores.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine the ground almonds, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, lemon zest, and vanilla extract. Mix well to evenly distribute the flavors.
4. Add the egg yolks and softened butter to the almond mixture. Using a spatula or your hands, blend everything together until a smooth dough forms.
5. Slowly incorporate the flour into the almond mixture, kneading gently until you have a cohesive dough that holds together without sticking to your hands.
6. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use a round cookie cutter to cut out individual circles and transfer them to the prepared baking sheet.
7. Bake the almond cookies in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until they are lightly golden around the edges. Remove from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack.
8. Once the almond cookies have cooled, assemble your Alfajor De Almendra by spreading a generous amount of dulce de leche or caramel spread on the bottom side of one cookie. Top with another cookie to create a sandwich, gently pressing down to secure the filling.
9. Repeat this process with the remaining cookies until you have a batch of delicious almond alfajores ready to be enjoyed.
10. Dust the finished alfajores with confectioners’ sugar for a festive touch before serving. These treats are best enjoyed with a cup of hot chocolate or a glass of dessert wine for a truly indulgent experience.
Enjoy the enchanting flavors of the holiday season with these Almond Alfajores that blend tradition and taste in every bite. Share the joy of baking and the warmth of the kitchen with loved ones as you create memorable moments around the table. Embrace the spirit of Christmas through the simple pleasure of homemade treats that celebrate the magic of the season.
