Kroakemandels - Dutch Almond Cookies

Ingredients

• 200g (1 ¾ cups) ground almonds 200g (1 ¾ cups) ground almonds
• 150g (⅔ cup) unsalted butter, softened 150g (⅔ cup) unsalted butter, softened
• 150g (¾ cup) granulated sugar 150g (¾ cup) granulated sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ¼ tsp almond extract ¼ tsp almond extract
• Pinch of salt Pinch of salt
• 150g (1 ¼ cups) all-purpose flour 150g (1 ¼ cups) all-purpose flour
• Sliced almonds, for garnish Sliced almonds, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 150 kcal / 628 KJ
• Fat: 11g (Saturated Fat: 4g)
• Carbohydrates: 11g (Sugar: 7g)
• Protein: 3g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
2. 2.
   Add the vanilla extract, almond extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix well.
3. 3.
   Gradually add the ground almonds and flour to the mixture, combining until a dough forms.
4. 4.
   Shape the dough into a ball, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
5. 5.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
6. 6.
   Take small portions of the dough and roll them into 2cm (¾ inch) balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each cookie.
7. 7.
   Gently press down on each ball to flatten slightly and garnish with a sliced almond on top.
8. 8.
   Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cookies turn golden brown around the edges.
9. 9.
   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...

• Ground Almonds — Make sure to use finely ground almonds for the best texture in the cookies.
• Butter — Soften the butter at room temperature before creaming it with the sugar to ensure a smooth dough.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra touch of sweetness, you can dust the cookies with powdered sugar after they have cooled completely.
• If you prefer a stronger almond flavor, you can increase the amount of almond extract slightly.
• Store the Kroakemandels in an airtight container to maintain their crispness.

Serving advice

Serve these delightful Kroakemandels with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a perfect afternoon treat. They also make a lovely addition to a cookie platter during festive occasions.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Kroakemandels on a decorative plate or in a cookie jar to showcase their golden-brown color and almond garnish. Dusting them with a sprinkle of powdered sugar adds an elegant touch.