Baking Recipes - Almond Butter Cookies Recipe

Ingredients

Makes 36

• 175 g/6 oz plain flour

• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

• 125 g/4 oz butter or margarine, softened

• 75 g/3 oz sugar

• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 2 tablespoons water

Praline:

• 125 g/4 oz sugar

• 25 g/1 oz almonds

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Method:

1. First make the praline. Put the sugar and almonds in a small, heavy-based pan over medium-high heat and stir occasionally until the sugar dissolves and turns a pale amber color.

2. Pour out the caramel mixture on to a greased and lined baking sheet, to make a layer 5 mm/1/4 inch thick and spread with an oiled palette knife. Set aside until cold.

3. Break the praline into pieces and put them into a plastic bag. Crush the pieces coarsely with a rolling pin.

4. To make the cookies, sift the flour and baking powder into a bowl, then set aside. Put the butter and sugar into a large bowl and cream until light and fluffy.

5. Add the vanilla extract and mix well. Add the flour mixture alternately with the water, mixing until smooth after each addition. Stir the crushed praline into the mixture.

6. Drop rounded teaspoonfuls, 5 cm/2 inches apart, on to well-greased baking sheets. Bake in a preheated oven, 160°C (325°F), Gas Mark 3, for about 15 minutes or until the edges are lightly browned.

7. Leave the cookies on the baking sheets for 2 minutes, then carefully transfer to wire racks to cool completely.