To add a touch of Czech tradition to your holiday baking this Christmas, why not try your hand at making Mandlové Sušenky, delightful almond biscuits that are sure to become a family favorite? These buttery cookies are flavored with fragrant almond and coated in a dusting of snowy powdered sugar, making them the perfect treat to enjoy with a warm cup of cocoa by the fireside. Follow along with this simple recipe to create a batch of these charming Czech Christmas cookies in your own kitchen.
**Ingredients:**
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tsp almond extract
– 1 cup finely ground almonds
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 tsp salt
– Powdered sugar, for dusting
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat the Oven:** Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. **Cream the Butter & Sugar:** In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. **Add Almond Extract:** Stir in the almond extract, mixing well to incorporate the aromatic flavor throughout the dough.
4. **Incorporate Almonds:** Gradually add the finely ground almonds to the mixture, stirring until fully combined.
5. **Mix Dry Ingredients:** In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt. Slowly add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, blending until a cohesive dough forms.
6. **Form Dough Balls:** Using your hands, roll the dough into small balls, approximately 1 inch in size. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, making sure to space them apart to allow for spreading during baking.
7. **Make Indentations:** Using your thumb or the back of a small spoon, gently press down in the center of each dough ball to create an indentation for the powdered sugar topping.
8. **Bake & Cool:** Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. **Dust with Powdered Sugar:** Once the cookies have cooled, dust the tops generously with powdered sugar, creating a snowy finish reminiscent of a Czech winter wonderland.
10. **Serve & Enjoy:** Arrange your Mandlové Sušenky on a festive platter and serve alongside a steaming mug of hot cocoa or a fragrant cup of spiced tea. These almond biscuits are perfect for sharing with loved ones or as a thoughtful homemade gift during the holiday season.
By following this straightforward recipe, you can bring the flavors of Czech Christmas traditions into your home with these delightful Mandlové Sušenky Almond Biscuits. Enjoy the process of baking and savor the warmth and joy these cookies will bring to your holiday celebrations.
