Mantecados de Estepa

Ingredients

• 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (120g) ground almonds 1 cup (120g) ground almonds
• 1 teaspoon almond extract 1 teaspoon almond extract
• Powdered sugar, for dusting Powdered sugar, for dusting

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 150 kcal / 628 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 9g, 5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 16g, 8g
• Protein: 2g
• Fiber: 1g
• 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 mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. 3.
   Add the ground almonds and 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.
   Roll the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
6. 6.
   Gently press down on each ball with a fork to create a crisscross pattern.
7. 7.
   Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are golden brown.
8. 8.
   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.
9. 9.
   Once cooled, dust the cookies with powdered sugar.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Almonds — For the best flavor, use freshly ground almonds. You can grind whole almonds in a food processor until they reach a fine texture.

Tips & Tricks

• To enhance the almond flavor, you can add a few drops of almond extract to the powdered sugar used for dusting.
• For a variation, you can add a pinch of cinnamon or lemon zest to the dough for a subtle twist in flavor.
• Store the Mantecados de Estepa in an airtight container to maintain their freshness and crispness.

Serving advice

Serve Mantecados de Estepa with a hot cup of Spanish coffee or a glass of sweet sherry for a truly authentic experience.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Mantecados de Estepa on a decorative platter and sprinkle some additional powdered sugar on top for an elegant presentation.