Norwegian Almond Cookies

Ingredients

• 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs 2 large eggs
• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (100g) ground almonds 1 cup (100g) ground almonds
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Sliced almonds, for garnish Sliced almonds, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 120 kcal / 502 KJ
• Fat: 8g (4g saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 11g (6g sugars)
• 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 large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. 3.
   Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. 4.
   Gradually add the flour, ground almonds, and vanilla extract to the mixture, mixing until well combined.
5. 5.
   Roll the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Flatten each ball slightly with the palm of your hand.
6. 6.
   Garnish each cookie with a few sliced almonds, gently pressing them into the dough.
7. 7.
   Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies turn 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.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Ground almonds — Ensure that the ground almonds are finely ground for a smoother texture in the cookies.
• Sliced almonds (garnish) — Toast the sliced almonds lightly before garnishing the cookies to enhance their flavor and add a slight crunch.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra touch of sweetness, dust the cooled cookies with powdered sugar before serving.
• To add a hint of citrus flavor, grate some lemon or orange zest into the dough.
• If you prefer a stronger almond flavor, you can add a few drops of almond extract in addition to the vanilla extract.
• Store the cookies in an airtight container to maintain their freshness and crispness.
• These cookies make a wonderful homemade gift for friends and family during the holiday season.

Serving advice

Serve these Norwegian Almond Cookies alongside a cup of hot coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon treat. They are also perfect for holiday cookie exchanges or as a sweet addition to a dessert platter.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Norwegian Almond Cookies on a decorative platter, garnished with a sprinkle of powdered sugar and a few extra sliced almonds. This will create an inviting display that showcases their delicate appearance.