Polvorones, the quintessential Spanish Christmas treat, are delicate, crumbly almond shortbread cookies that melt in your mouth. These delightful cookies, also known as mantecados, are the perfect addition to any holiday table. Join me in creating a batch of these traditional delights with a modern twist by incorporating almonds for an extra nutty flavor. Let’s get started on our mouthwatering Polvorones Almond Shortbread Cookies!
Ingredients:
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup almond flour
– 1 teaspoon almond extract
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– Additional confectioners’ sugar for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and confectioners’ sugar together until light and fluffy.
3. Add the almond flour, all-purpose flour, almond extract, and ground cinnamon to the butter mixture. Mix until the dough comes together and forms a smooth ball.
4. Lightly flour a work surface and roll out the dough to a thickness of about 1/2 inch.
5. Use a round cookie cutter to cut out individual cookies and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each cookie.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are just starting to turn golden.
7. Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Once the cookies are completely cool, dust them generously with confectioners’ sugar for a snowy finish.
9. Store the Polvorones Almond Shortbread Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They also freeze well, so you can make them ahead of time for the holiday season.
These Polvorones Almond Shortbread Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic Spanish treat, perfect for sharing with friends and family during the festive season. The rich almond flavor, combined with the crumbly texture of the shortbread, makes them a delightful addition to any holiday cookie platter. Enjoy the joy of baking these traditional treats and delight in the warmth they bring to your home during this special time of year.
