The festive season in the United Kingdom is synonymous with delightful aromas wafting from cozy kitchens. Baking becomes a cherished tradition, especially when it comes to crafting tasty treats to share with friends and family. One classic recipe that captures the essence of a British Christmas is Spiced Almond Biscuits. These buttery biscuits infused with warm spices and crunchy almonds are the perfect accompaniment to a cup of tea or coffee during the holiday season. Let’s dive into the joy of baking these fragrant and delicious treats!
**Spiced Almond Biscuits**
*Ingredients:*
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup finely chopped almonds
*Instructions:*
1. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, beating well to combine.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms. Fold in the finely chopped almonds until evenly distributed.
5. Divide the dough in half and shape each portion into a log about 2 inches in diameter. Wrap the logs in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until firm.
6. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
7. Remove the chilled dough from the refrigerator and slice into cookies about 1/4 inch thick. Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each one.
8. Bake the Spiced Almond Biscuits in the preheated oven for 12-14 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
9. Allow the biscuits to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Serve these fragrant and crunchy Spiced Almond Biscuits with a cup of tea or coffee for a cozy Christmas treat that’s sure to delight your loved ones.
The warmth of the spices and the nuttiness of the almonds make these biscuits a festive favorite for holiday gatherings. Enjoy the process of baking these delightful treats and savor the joy they bring when shared with those you love. Wishing you a wonderful and delicious holiday season filled with the comforting flavors of Spiced Almond Biscuits!
