This holiday season, why not try your hand at baking a traditional Norwegian treat that will warm your home with the delightful aroma of almonds and spice? Almond cookies, or “Mandelkjeks,” are a beloved Christmas delicacy in Norway, perfect for enjoying with a cup of hot cocoa by a crackling fire. These tender, buttery cookies are delicately flavored with almond and cinnamon, making them a festive addition to your holiday table or a lovely homemade gift for loved ones. Let’s dive into the recipe for these irresistible Mandelkjeks Almond Cookies!
Ingredients:
– 1 cup finely ground almonds
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– Slivered almonds, for topping (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the finely ground almonds, all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined. Set the dry ingredients aside.
3. In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the almond extract and ground cinnamon, stirring to incorporate the flavors throughout the mixture.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix the dough to avoid a tough texture.
5. Using a cookie scoop or a spoon, portion out small balls of dough and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each cookie. Gently press down on each cookie with the back of a fork to create a crisscross pattern, or top each cookie with a slivered almond for an extra touch of elegance.
6. Bake the Mandelkjeks Almond Cookies in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Keep an eye on them to prevent over-browning.
7. Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool.
8. Once cooled, store the Mandelkjeks Almond Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They also freeze well, making them a convenient treat to have on hand for unexpected company or holiday gatherings.
Enjoy the delicate crunch and subtle sweetness of these Mandelkjeks Almond Cookies with a steaming cup of tea or share them with loved ones as a thoughtful homemade gift. Embrace the cozy spirit of the holidays with this delightful Norwegian Christmas baking tradition. Happy baking!
