German cookies

Delicious Cookies for Santa - A Holiday Recipe

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Number of servings: 25-30 cookies

The winter holidays are approaching, and the delicious aroma of freshly baked cookies is all we need to fill our hearts with warmth and joy. These almond cookies, easy to make, are perfect to enjoy alongside a cup of tea or to gift to loved ones. They are renowned for their crunchy texture and refined flavor, and their secret lies in the simple ingredients and accessible preparation technique.

Let’s get started!

Ingredients needed:
- 250 g flour
- 200 g butter (preferably at room temperature)
- 100 g almonds (peeled and ground)
- 150 g vanilla sugar (or 75 g regular sugar and 75 g powdered sugar for decoration)

Preparing the almonds:
1. Start by blanching the almonds, an essential step for achieving a fine and even texture. Bring water to a boil in a deep pot. When the water starts to boil, add the almonds and turn off the heat. Let them sit in the hot water for 2 minutes.
2. After 2 minutes, remove the almonds from the water and quickly rinse them with cold water. Now, peeling will be extremely easy! Simply press lightly on each almond, and the skin will come off effortlessly.

Preparing the dough:
3. In a large bowl, combine the flour, cubed butter, ground almonds, and 75 g of sugar. Use a mixer or spatula to mix the ingredients until a homogeneous dough forms. It is important not to overmix to maintain the light texture of the cookies.
4. Once the dough is ready, shape it into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes. This will help firm up the butter, making it easier to form the cookies.

Shaping and baking the cookies:
5. After the dough has chilled, remove it from the refrigerator and divide it into small pieces. Shape each piece into a stick about 4 cm long, then bend each stick into a “U” shape.
6. Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving a small space between them to allow for expansion during baking.
7. Preheat the oven to 180°C and bake the cookies for about 15 minutes, or until they turn lightly golden at the edges. Keep a close eye on them, as every oven bakes differently.

Finishing the cookies:
8. Once the cookies are baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet. Then, while still warm, roll them in the remaining powdered sugar (75 g) to achieve a sweet and delicate coating.

My personal tip:
If you want to add an extra flavor, you can add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the dough or experiment with grated lemon zest for a fresh citrus note.

Serving and pairings:
These cookies are ideal to be served alongside a fragrant black tea or an espresso coffee. You can even use sparkling wine to create a festive atmosphere. Moreover, being a quick and simple dessert, they are perfect for gifting to friends and family as a holiday present.

Nutritional information:
These cookies are a good source of healthy fats from almonds, which are rich in vitamin E, magnesium, and antioxidants. Although they are delicious, moderation is recommended considering their sugar and fat content. Each cookie has about 90 calories, so enjoy them during moments of culinary indulgence.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use another type of nut?
Yes, you can experiment with pecans or Brazil nuts, but the taste will be different.
2. How can I store the cookies?
These cookies store well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
3. Can I freeze the cookies?
Yes, you can freeze the cookies before rolling them in powdered sugar, and when you take them out of the freezer, let them thaw at room temperature.

These delicious almond cookies are an excellent choice to bring joy during the holiday season. Try this recipe and let yourself be carried away by the enticing aromas of winter!