Almond and oat flakes cookies

Name: Almond and oat flakes cookies - Stela J.
Ingredients: 120 g almonds; a handful of oats (or any cereals you have on hand); 125 g butter; 200 g sugar; 2 large eggs; 2 teaspoons baking powder; a little lemon zest; vanilla extract

Dessert - Almond and oat flakes cookies by Stela J. - Recipia

Almond and Oat Cookies - A Healthy and Flavorful Delight Preparation time: 20 minutes Cooking time: 30-35 minutes Total time: 50-55 minutes Number of servings: Approximately 20-24 cookies Almond and oat cookies are an excellent choice for those looking for a healthy snack that is also bursting with flavor. These cookies are not only easy to make but also offer a crunchy texture combined with a subtle almond and vanilla aroma, perfect for enjoying alongside a cup of tea or coffee. The history of these cookies is lost in the mists of time, but what is certain is that almonds and oats have long been considered healthy ingredients, used in various culinary cultures. Almonds are rich in nutrients, while oats provide an extra boost of fiber, making them a perfect choice for a quick and healthy dessert. Necessary ingredients: - 120 g almonds (preferably raw) - A handful of oats (or whole grain cereals on hand) - 125 g butter, at room temperature - 200 g sugar - 2 large eggs - 2 teaspoons baking powder - Zest of one lemon - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Step by step: 1. Preparing the almonds: Start by preheating the oven to 180°C. Place the almonds on a baking tray and roast them in the oven for about 5 minutes, until they become slightly golden and fragrant. Once cooled, rub them with your hands to remove the skins. Don’t worry if some almonds don’t completely lose their skins. 2. Toasting the oats: While the almonds cool, you can toast the oats. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the oats. Toast them for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until they become slightly golden. Be careful, as they can burn quickly. 3. Preparing the dough: Place the toasted almonds in a food processor and grind them well. Add the butter, sugar, and lemon zest, mixing until you achieve a smooth mixture. Then, add the eggs and vanilla extract, continuing to mix. 4. Adding the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the flour with the baking powder. Incorporate the flour mixture into the food processor with the other ingredients, mixing until a uniform dough forms. Finally, add the toasted oats and mix with a spatula, being careful not to crush them too much. 5. Shaping the cookies: Divide the dough into two equal parts and use oiled plastic wrap to shape them into logs. It’s important to make the logs as uniform as possible. Place them in the fridge, one in the refrigerator and the other in the freezer, to firm up better. 6. Cutting the cookies: After the logs have firmed up (about an hour for the one in the freezer), remove them from the wrap and cut them into pieces about 3-4 cm thick. Place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, leaving enough space between them to expand during baking. 7. Baking the cookies: Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake the cookies for 15-20 minutes. Halfway through, turn each cookie to bake evenly. The cookies are ready when they turn golden and crispy. 8. Cooling and serving: After baking, let the cookies cool on a rack. It is recommended to serve them after they have completely cooled, and the next day they become even better as the flavors intensify. Useful tips: - You can experiment by adding chopped dark chocolate or dried fruits, such as raisins or cranberries, for an extra burst of flavor and texture. - Instead of oats, you can also use other whole grains, such as quinoa or rye, for a different variation. - This preparation stores well in airtight containers, making it a perfect snack for the office or a healthy treat for kids. Nutritional benefits: Almonds are an excellent source of protein, fiber, and healthy fats, contributing to heart health. Oats are rich in soluble fiber, helping to maintain stable blood sugar levels and being beneficial for digestion. Frequently asked questions: - Can I use ground almonds instead of whole almonds? Yes, but the texture of the cookies will be different. - How can I make the cookies less sweet? Reduce the amount of sugar by 50 g and add a little more vanilla extract to compensate. - Can I freeze the cookies? Yes, the cookies can be frozen and are easy to reheat at room temperature or in the oven. Serving suggestions: These cookies are delicious alongside a cup of green tea or a creamy cappuccino. You can also serve them with vanilla ice cream for a special dessert. Enjoy the almond and oat cookies, a healthy delight that combines tradition with culinary innovation!