Description
Traditional Greek Cretan Almond Biscuits that are delightfully buttery and subtly sweet with a crisp texture. These classic cookies combine ground blanched almonds, flour, and a touch of vanilla, topped with crunchy almond flakes, making them perfect for tea time or festive occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2/3 cup (100g) blanched almonds
- 2 1/2 cups plain flour (all-purpose flour)
- 4 tsp baking powder
- One pinch cooking salt / kosher salt
Wet Ingredients
- 250g (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cups white sugar (or caster sugar)
- 1 large egg, at room temperature (~50g / 2oz in shell)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 egg white, lightly whisked (for brushing)
Topping
- 1/4 cup almond flakes
Instructions
- Prepare the almonds: Finely grind the blanched almonds until they resemble a coarse flour. Set aside for use in the dough mixture.
- Make the dough: In a mixing bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter with white sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the whole egg and vanilla extract until well combined. Gradually add the plain flour, baking powder, a pinch of salt, and the ground almonds, mixing until a smooth dough forms.
- Shape the cookies: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll the dough into small balls, then gently flatten them into discs about 1/2 inch thick. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them evenly.
- Add toppings and bake: Brush the tops of each cookie lightly with the whisked egg white. Sprinkle almond flakes evenly over the top, pressing them gently so they stick. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes or until the cookies turn a light golden color. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely on a wire rack.
Notes
- Note 1: Blanched almonds are almonds with skins removed; this gives the cookies a smoother texture.
- Note 2: Softened butter means butter left at room temperature for about 30 minutes, making it easy to cream with sugar.
- Use leftover egg whites from the recipe for making fluffy scrambled eggs or other dishes to avoid waste.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week for optimal freshness.
