South American Almond Cookies

Ingredients

In this adaptation, the traditional Dutch almond cookies are infused with South American flavors. The addition of coconut, lime, and cinnamon gives these cookies a tropical twist, adding a burst of flavor that is characteristic of South American cuisine. These ingredients not only enhance the taste but also provide a unique texture and aroma to the cookies, making them a delightful treat with a South American flair. We alse have the original recipe for Bitterkoekjes, so you can check it out.

• 200g (1 ¾ cups) ground almonds 200g (1 ¾ cups) ground almonds
• 150g (1 ¼ cups) powdered sugar 150g (1 ¼ cups) powdered sugar
• 50g (½ cup) desiccated coconut 50g (½ cup) desiccated coconut
• 1 tsp lime zest 1 tsp lime zest
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• 2 large egg whites 2 large egg whites
• 1 tsp vanilla extract 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt Pinch of salt

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 120 kcal / 502 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 3g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 10g, 8g
• Protein: 3g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 0.1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. 2.
   In a large bowl, combine the ground almonds, powdered sugar, desiccated coconut, lime zest, and ground cinnamon.
3. 3.
   In a separate bowl, whisk the egg whites until frothy. Add the vanilla extract and salt, and continue whisking until soft peaks form.
4. 4.
   Gently fold the egg white mixture into the almond mixture until well combined.
5. 5.
   Using your hands, shape the dough into small balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each cookie.
6. 6.
   Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cookies are golden brown around the edges.
7. 7.
   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.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Almonds — Make sure to use ground almonds for this recipe, as they provide the desired texture. If you can't find ground almonds, you can grind whole almonds in a food processor until finely ground.
• Lime zest — Use a microplane or fine grater to zest the lime, making sure to only grate the outer green layer and avoiding the bitter white pith.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra burst of flavor, you can add a teaspoon of rum or a few drops of almond extract to the dough.
• If you prefer a sweeter cookie, you can dust the baked cookies with powdered sugar before serving.
• These cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week.

Serving advice

Serve these South American Almond Cookies as a delightful treat with a cup of coffee or tea. They also make a great addition to dessert platters or as a sweet snack during gatherings.

Presentation advice

Arrange the cookies on a decorative platter or in a cookie jar to showcase their golden brown color and inviting aroma. Dust them with a sprinkle of powdered sugar for an elegant touch.