In Greece, Christmas is a time filled with warmth, family gatherings, and delicious traditional treats. One such beloved Christmas recipe is Xirakia Almond Cookies. These crispy, fragrant cookies are a delight for the senses and a perfect addition to any holiday table. With the comforting aroma of almonds and a dash of sweetness, these cookies will surely become a favorite in your festive baking repertoire.
Xirakia Almond Cookies
Ingredients:
– 2 cups blanched almonds
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– Zest of 1 lemon
– 2 egg whites
– 1 teaspoon almond extract
– Sliced almonds, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a food processor, pulse the blanched almonds until finely ground, but be careful not to overprocess into a paste.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine the ground almonds, sugar, cinnamon, cloves, salt, and lemon zest. Mix well to ensure even distribution of flavors.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg whites until frothy but not stiff. Add the almond extract and continue whisking until well combined.
5. Gently fold the egg white mixture into the dry ingredients until a soft dough forms. The dough should be cohesive but not overly sticky.
6. Using a spoon or cookie scoop, portion the dough and roll into small balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each cookie.
7. Press a few sliced almonds onto the top of each cookie, gently flattening them for decoration.
8. Bake the Xirakia Almond Cookies in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
9. Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Once cooled, store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They can also be wrapped in decorative packages for gift-giving during the festive season.
These delightful Xirakia Almond Cookies are not only a joy to make but are also a wonderful treat to share with loved ones during the Christmas season. The combination of aromatic almonds, warm spices, and citrus zest will infuse your home with the spirit of the holidays. Whether served alongside a cup of hot cocoa or presented as a heartfelt gift, these cookies are sure to bring a touch of Greek tradition and charm to your Christmas celebrations. Enjoy the process of baking these cookies and creating special memories with those you hold dear.
