Moroccan Spiced Almond Cookies

Ingredients

While the original Fryske dúmkes are typically made with butter, sugar, and flour, this Moroccan adaptation replaces the flour with ground almonds to enhance the nutty flavor. Additionally, the Moroccan version incorporates spices like cinnamon and cardamom, as well as orange blossom water, to infuse the cookies with the vibrant flavors of Moroccan cuisine. We alse have the original recipe for Fryske dúmkes, so you can check it out.

• 200g (7 oz) ground almonds 200g (7 oz) ground almonds
• 100g (3.5 oz) powdered sugar 100g (3.5 oz) powdered sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground cardamom 1/2 tsp ground cardamom
• 1/2 tsp orange blossom water 1/2 tsp orange blossom water
• 1 egg, lightly beaten 1 egg, lightly beaten
• Whole almonds, for topping Whole almonds, for topping

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 120 kcal / 502 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 9g, 0.7g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 7g, 5g
• Protein: 4g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 0.01g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. 2.
   In a mixing bowl, combine the ground almonds, powdered sugar, cinnamon, and cardamom.
3. 3.
   Add the orange blossom water and beaten egg to the dry ingredients. Mix well until a dough forms.
4. 4.
   Take small portions of the dough and shape them into small rectangles.
5. 5.
   Place the shaped cookies onto the prepared baking sheet and gently press a whole almond onto the top of each cookie.
6. 6.
   Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the cookies turn golden brown.
7. 7.
   Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool completely before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Ground almonds — Ensure that the ground almonds are finely ground for a smooth texture in the cookies.
• Orange blossom water — Use a high-quality orange blossom water to achieve the authentic Moroccan flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra burst of flavor, sprinkle some powdered sugar mixed with cinnamon on top of the cookies before serving.
• If you prefer a softer texture, reduce the baking time by a few minutes.
• Experiment with different spices like nutmeg or ginger to customize the flavor profile of the cookies.
• Store the cookies in an airtight container to maintain their freshness.

Serving advice

Serve these Moroccan Spiced Almond Cookies alongside a cup of Moroccan mint tea for a truly authentic experience. They are perfect for afternoon tea or as a sweet treat after a Moroccan-inspired meal.

Presentation advice

Arrange the cookies on a decorative platter, garnished with a sprinkle of powdered sugar and a few fresh mint leaves for an elegant presentation.