Jødekager - Danish Almond Cinnamon Cookies

Ingredients

• 200g (1 ¾ cups) all-purpose flour 200g (1 ¾ cups) all-purpose flour
• 150g (1 ¼ cups) ground almonds 150g (1 ¼ cups) ground almonds
• 150g (⅔ cup) unsalted butter, softened 150g (⅔ cup) unsalted butter, softened
• 100g (½ cup) brown sugar 100g (½ cup) brown sugar
• 1 large egg 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon almond extract 1 teaspoon almond extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground cardamom ½ teaspoon ground cardamom
• Pinch of salt Pinch of salt
• Sliced almonds, for garnish Sliced almonds, for garnish
• Powdered sugar, for dusting Powdered sugar, for dusting

Nutrition

• Calories: 120 kcal / 502 KJ
• Fat: 8g (3g saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 10g (4g sugars)
• Protein: 2g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, whisk together the flour, ground almonds, cinnamon, cardamom, and salt.
2. 2.
   In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3. 3.
   Beat in the egg and almond extract until well combined.
4. 4.
   Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
5. 5.
   Divide the dough into two equal portions and shape each into a disc. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
6. 6.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
7. 7.
   On a lightly floured surface, roll out one portion of the dough to a thickness of about ¼ inch.
8. 8.
   Use cookie cutters to cut out desired shapes and transfer them to the prepared baking sheet.
9. 9.
   Repeat with the remaining dough.
10. 10.
    Garnish each cookie with a few sliced almonds.
11. 11.
    Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
12. 12.
    Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
13. 13.
    Once cooled, dust the cookies with powdered sugar before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Almonds — For a more pronounced almond flavor, you can toast the ground almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant before using them in the recipe.

Tips & Tricks

• To achieve a crispier texture, roll the dough slightly thinner.
• For a more festive touch, you can sprinkle colored sugar or edible glitter on top of the cookies before baking.
• If you prefer a stronger cinnamon flavor, you can increase the amount of ground cinnamon to your liking.
• These cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to two weeks.

Serving advice

Serve these delightful Jødekager alongside a cup of hot coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon treat. They also make a lovely addition to holiday cookie platters or as a homemade gift for friends and family.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Jødekager on a decorative platter and dust them with an extra sprinkle of powdered sugar for an elegant presentation. You can also place them in festive cookie tins or wrap them in cellophane bags tied with a ribbon for gifting.