Almond and chocolate cookies for Christmas

Almond and Chocolate Cookies for Christmas - A Holiday Delight

Get ready to bring the magic of Christmas into your kitchen with this delicious recipe for almond and chocolate cookies. These treats are not only tasty but also beautifully decorated, making them perfect to gift to loved ones or to enjoy alongside a glass of warm milk. Let’s begin this culinary adventure!

Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Baking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour and 40 minutes (including cooling time)
Number of Servings: approximately 30 cookies

Ingredients

- 200 g butter (at room temperature)
- 120 g brown sugar
- 150 g ground almonds
- Approximately 350 g flour
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon almond essence Dr. Oetker
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 100 g chocolate (grated)
- For decoration:
- Juice of one lemon
- 3-4 tablespoons powdered sugar
- Colored candies Dr. Oetker
- Decorating pens Dr. Oetker
- Food coloring

A Brief History

Almond cookies are a tradition in many cultures, often prepared during the holidays. They are delicate, crunchy, and full of flavor, and the combination of almonds and chocolate makes them irresistible. Over the years, people have experimented with various flavors and decorating techniques, turning cookies into a true culinary art.

Preparing the Dough

1. Mixing Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, add the softened butter and brown sugar. Using a mixer or spatula, mix until the mixture becomes creamy and smooth. This is the perfect base for cookies. Make sure the butter is at room temperature for an ideal texture.

2. Adding Eggs and Flavors: Incorporate the egg, almond essence, and baking soda mixed with a little lemon juice. These ingredients will not only add flavor to the cookies but will also help them rise during baking. Mix well.

3. Incorporating Chocolate and Almonds: Add the grated chocolate and ground almonds. Mix with a spatula until all ingredients are well combined. These will give the cookies a rich taste and pleasant texture.

4. Adding Flour: Start adding the flour gradually, mixing with a wooden spoon until the mixture becomes thicker. It’s important not to overmix, as the cookies may become tough.

5. Chilling the Dough: Form a ball from the dough and wrap it in plastic wrap. Leave it in the fridge for about 1 hour. This will help firm up the dough, making it easier to roll out.

Shaping the Cookies

6. Dividing the Dough: Once the dough has chilled, take it out of the fridge and divide it into three equal parts. This will make rolling easier.

7. Rolling the Dough: Sprinkle flour on the work surface and on the dough. Use a rolling pin to roll each piece of dough into a medium-thick sheet. Make sure to use flour both on top and underneath to prevent sticking.

8. Cutting Shapes: Using Christmas-themed cookie cutters, cut out the cookies and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Leave a little space between the cookies, as they will spread slightly while baking.

Baking the Cookies

9. Baking: Preheat the oven to 170 degrees Celsius and bake the cookies for 10 minutes. They will be ready when the edges turn golden. Once removed, let them cool on a rack to avoid moisture.

Decorating the Cookies

10. Preparing the Icing: In small bowls, mix the powdered sugar with a few drops of lemon juice to create an icing. If you want to add color, use food coloring. It’s important to prepare the icing as you decorate the cookies, as it can harden quickly.

11. Decorating the Cookies: Using a knife or a thin brush, spread icing on each cookie and sprinkle colored candies on top. For cookies decorated with decorating pens, let the icing harden first. This will give a nicer appearance and prevent color mixing.

12. Storing the Cookies: Once the icing has hardened, store the cookies in metal boxes. While they are delicious immediately, they become even better the next day as the flavors meld.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

These almond and chocolate cookies are wonderful alongside a cup of hot tea or a glass of milk. You can also try serving them with warm chocolate sauce for a special treat.

If you want to experiment, you can replace the almonds with walnuts or hazelnuts, and dark chocolate with white or milk chocolate for a variety of flavors.

Nutritional Benefits

These cookies are a good source of energy due to the almond content, which is rich in antioxidants and vitamins. Additionally, chocolate contains flavonoids that can have positive effects on heart health. Each cookie has about 100 calories, so it’s best to enjoy them in moderation.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use other types of flour?
Yes, you can use whole wheat or gluten-free flour, but the texture of the cookies will vary.

2. How long can I store the cookies?
The cookies store well in metal boxes for up to two weeks.

3. Can I freeze the cookies?
Yes, the cookies can be frozen. You can freeze them after they have completely cooled, and take them out a few hours before serving to thaw.

Now you’re ready to try this recipe for almond and chocolate cookies, which will not only bring joy to your homes but also a touch of magic in every bite. Have a Christmas filled with goodies and happy moments with your loved ones!