Kazakh Spiced Almond Cookies

Ingredients

In this adaptation, the traditional Danish Jødekager recipe is transformed into Kazakh Spiced Almond Cookies by incorporating the unique flavors of Kazakh cuisine. The original recipe is enhanced with aromatic spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and nutmeg, which are commonly used in Kazakh cooking. Additionally, almonds are added to provide a delightful crunch and enhance the texture of the cookies. We alse have the original recipe for Jødekager, so you can check it out.

• 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) granulated sugar 100g (½ cup) granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground cardamom ½ teaspoon ground cardamom
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 egg, beaten 1 egg, beaten
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Sliced almonds, for garnish Sliced almonds, for garnish

Nutrition

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

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, ground almonds, sugar, cinnamon, cardamom, and nutmeg.
2. 2.
   Add the softened butter to the dry ingredients and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. 3.
   Add the beaten egg and vanilla extract to the mixture and knead until a smooth dough forms.
4. 4.
   Divide the dough into two equal portions and shape each portion into a log.
5. 5.
   Wrap the logs 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.
   Slice the chilled dough logs into ½-inch thick rounds and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
8. 8.
   Garnish each cookie with a sliced almond.
9. 9.
   Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
10. 10.
    Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on a wire rack before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Almonds — Make sure to use ground almonds for the cookie dough and sliced almonds for garnishing. Toasting the sliced almonds before garnishing will enhance their flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier flavor, increase the amount of cinnamon, cardamom, and nutmeg according to your preference.
• If you prefer a sweeter taste, you can sprinkle the cookies with powdered sugar after they have cooled.
• These cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to one week.

Serving advice

Serve the Kazakh Spiced Almond Cookies with a hot cup of Kazakh tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat. They can also be enjoyed as a dessert alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Presentation advice

Arrange the cookies on a decorative platter or in a cookie jar to showcase their beautiful golden color and sliced almond garnish. Dusting them with a sprinkle of powdered sugar adds an elegant touch.