Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
- 2 large egg yolks
- 2 tablespoons brandy
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups blanched almonds, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
Special Equipment Needed:
- Stand mixer
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cardamom, and salt.
3. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the butter and confectioners’ sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add the egg yolks, brandy, and vanilla extract and mix until combined.
5. Add the flour mixture and mix until just combined.
6. Stir in the almonds.
7. Form the dough into 1-inch balls and place on the prepared baking sheet.
8. Sprinkle the granulated sugar over the cookies.
9. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until lightly golden.
10. Let cool before serving.
Time:
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 15-18 minutes
Temperature: 350°F
Serving Size: Makes about 2 dozen cookies
Nutritional Information:
Calories: 140
Fat: 8 g
Carbohydrates: 13 g
Protein: 2 g
Substitutions for Ingredients:
- For the all-purpose flour, you can use gluten-free flour or almond flour.
- For the butter, you can use vegan butter or coconut oil.
- For the confectioners’ sugar, you can use coconut sugar or maple syrup.
- For the egg yolks, you can use flax eggs or chia eggs.
- For the brandy, you can use orange juice or apple juice.
- For the almonds, you can use walnuts or pecans.
Variations:
- For a sweeter cookie, you can add 1/4 cup of honey or agave nectar to the dough.
- For a spicier cookie, you can add 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon or ground ginger.
- For a nut-free version, you can omit the almonds and add 1/2 cup of dark chocolate chips.
Tips and Tricks:
- Make sure the butter is at room temperature before creaming it with the confectioners’ sugar.
- If the dough is too soft, you can chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before forming the balls.
Storage Instructions:
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Reheating Instructions:
Reheat the cookies in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes.
Presentation Ideas:
Serve the cookies on a platter with a sprinkle of confectioners’ sugar and a few sprigs of fresh mint.
Garnishes:
Sprinkle the cookies with confectioners’ sugar and top with a few slivered almonds.
Pairings:
Serve the cookies with a cup of hot tea or a glass of cold milk.
Suggested Side Dishes:
Serve the cookies with a side of fresh fruit or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Troubleshooting Advice:
If the cookies are too dry, you can add a few tablespoons of milk to the dough.
Food Safety Advice:
Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before using.
Food History:
Kourabiedes are a traditional Greek cookie that are often served at weddings and other special occasions.
Flavor Profiles:
The cookies have a sweet, nutty flavor with hints of cardamom and vanilla.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve the cookies as a dessert or as a snack with a cup of coffee or tea.
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Region: Greek