Almond Butter Cookies

Almond butter is a healthier alternative to the popularly served peanut butter. According to studies conducted on almond butter nutrition, it contains essential nutrients and cholesterol lowering agents.

Hence, several health conscious people prefer using specific amount of almond butter as a bread spread and in baking goodies. For some, crispy almond butter cookies serve with herbal tea are favorite breakfast items.

Butter prepared from ground almonds is pricey, so is the price of almond butter cookies. So, you can try making almond butter on your own with simple tips. The baking directions are same as that of regular cookies. The only thing is to make alterations in the cookies recipe ingredients and baking time.

• Butter, ¾ cup (at room temperature)
• Sugar, ⅔ cup
• Almond paste, 8 oz.
• Eggs, 2 large
• Almond extract, 2 tsp.
• All-purpose flour, 2½ cups
• Baking powder, 2½ tsp.
• Salt, ¼ tsp.
• Almonds, ¾ cup (finely chopped)

In an electric mixer, blend butter, sugar, and almond paste to make a smooth mixture. Add eggs, almond extract, and continue mixing for another 2-3 minutes. Keep this butter mixture aside, and combine together flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.

To this, stir in the butter mixture. If required, scrap mixture from the sides with a thin spatula. Beat well to make a consistently thick dough.

Preheat oven to 350°F. Make small balls (about 1 inch) out of the cookie base and roll into chopped almonds for coating. Place them over a lightly buttered cooking sheet, and gently press each of them with a fork.

Bake the cookies for 10-11 minutes, or until the edges turn light brown. Remove from oven and transfer to a cookie rack. After cooling down, store them in cookie containers.

Ingredients

• Almond flour, 1 cup
• Sugar, 1 cup
• Egg, 1 (slightly beaten)
• Vanilla extract, 1 tsp. (gluten-free)
• Almond extract, ½ tsp. (gluten-free)
• Chipped dried apricots, ½ cup
• Butter, 2 tbsp.

The key tips is to avoid adding regular baking flour in the cookie mix. Take a mixing bowl, and add the all the ingredients listed above - almond flour, sugar, egg, vanilla extract, almond extract, apricots, and organic almond butter. Mix properly to prepare a smooth dough.

Take scoops with a teaspoon and place them over a parchment paper. Bake at 350°F for 8 minutes. Let them cool for a few minutes, before serving.

If you have a hectic schedule, take time out on a holiday and make these cookies in large amounts. That way, you can store crispy cookies in airtight containers for anytime snacking.