Fryske dúmkes - Traditional Dutch Almond Cookies

Ingredients

• 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon almond extract 1 teaspoon almond extract
• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (60g) ground almonds 1/2 cup (60g) ground almonds
• 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar (for coating) 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar (for coating)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 120 kcal / 502 KJ
• Fat: 8g (4g saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 11g (6g sugars)
• Protein: 1g
• Fiber: 0.5g
• 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 mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. 3.
   Add the almond extract to the butter mixture and mix well.
4. 4.
   Gradually add the flour to the mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.
5. 5.
   In a separate bowl, combine the ground almonds and 1/4 cup of granulated sugar.
6. 6.
   Shape the dough into small balls, approximately 1 inch in diameter.
7. 7.
   Roll each dough ball in the almond-sugar mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated.
8. 8.
   Place the coated dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
9. 9.
   Gently press down on each dough ball with the back of a fork to create a crisscross pattern.
10. 10.
    Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the cookies are golden brown.
11. 11.
    Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
12. 12.
    Once cooled, store the Fryske dúmkes in an airtight container to maintain their freshness.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Ground almonds — Ensure the ground almonds are finely powdered for a smooth texture in the cookies.
• Almond extract — Use a high-quality almond extract to achieve a robust almond flavor in the cookies.
• Butter — Soften the butter at room temperature before creaming it with the sugar for easier mixing.

Tips & Tricks

• For a variation, you can add a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom to the dough for an extra layer of flavor.
• If you prefer a stronger almond taste, you can sprinkle some almond slices on top of the cookies before baking.
• Make sure to space the cookies properly on the baking sheet to allow for even browning and prevent them from sticking together.
• To achieve a chewier texture, slightly underbake the cookies by reducing the baking time by 1-2 minutes.
• Fryske dúmkes are best enjoyed with a cup of hot coffee or tea.

Serving advice

Serve Fryske dúmkes on a decorative platter or in a cookie jar for a charming presentation. They are perfect for afternoon tea, holiday gatherings, or as a sweet treat to enjoy any time of the day.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Fryske dúmkes in a circular pattern on the serving platter, allowing their golden-brown color and almond coating to be prominently displayed. Consider adding a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top for an elegant touch.