“In three words I can sum up everything I've learned about life: It Goes On.”
Robert Frost

Thursday, December 19, 2013

Almond Dreams

How can I continue my December blog posts without a cookie recipe?
Well, I can't, so here is a very special top-secret recipe that I created a few years ago.





I came up with this recipe after eating something similar at the Taste of Scandinavia bakery on the far side of town. If you love the taste of almonds, this is your cookie. The bonus is the ease of preparation. Don't skip toasting the almonds, it really enhances the flavor and texture. They call it the Norwegian Almond Kringler, but I call them Almond Dreams!



Almond Dreams

Cookie Dough
1 1/2 cups flour
1/2 cup cornstarch
1/3 cup sugar
3/4 cup room temperature butter
1/2 teaspoon almond extract

Frosting
1 3/4 cups confectioner's sugar
1/4 cup butter
1 tablespoon milk
1 teaspoon almond extract
1/3 cup sliced or chopped almonds, lightly toasted


1.    In large mixer bowl with paddle attachment, combine butter, sugar and cornstarch. Add almond extract, gradually add flour. Mix until dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl and forms a ball  (takes about 2 - 3 minutes).

2.    Place parchment paper on cookie sheet. Place dough atop parchment paper and roll out to about 1/2 inch thick. Bake in preheated 350 degree oven for about 15 minutes, just until lightly browned around the edges. Top will not brown. Cool on cookie sheet for about 5 minutes. Slide parchment and cookie onto rack to cool completely.

3.    In small nonstick saucepan toast almonds just till lightly browned. Stir constantly. Cool.

4.    For frosting, in medium bowl mix sugar, butter, milk and almond extract till smooth. Frosting should be fairly thick, like cake frosting. Slide parchment with cooled cookie onto a large cutting board. Spread the frosting onto cooled cookie. Sprinkle with almonds. Let set for a few minutes. With sharp pizza cutter or large knife cut into bars.








Hope you enjoy my version of this delicious cookie! ~~ Diane

What are your favorite Christmas treats?


linked with The Charm of Home 
                 Common Ground

19 comments:

  1. These sound divine! My fave xmas treat is mince tarts. And shortbread. Oh, and can't forget fruitcake. Or thimble cookies. Stop me before I go on all day!

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    1. Glad to know other people like fruitcake too! My grandmum always made mince pie, but I love shortbread! This recipe is basically a frosted shortbread cookie. Happy Eating!

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  2. My mouth is watering now , I can only imagine how delicious they taste !
    Your photos make me want to pluck one right from the screen ..YUM .

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  3. Gotta go get a napkin! I'm drooling a little just reading this. lol. Must try this recipe. How festive and dreamy delicious! I have so many favorite Christmas treats.. i can't possibly choose just one!

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  4. Hello there my fellow Minnesotan! We (being Norwegian) make something very similar to this every single year! We're huge fans of anything almond flavored! I'll have to try your recipe for sure!
    Happy Holidays to you,
    Erica :)

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  5. This is amazing. I LOVE almonds, especially in sweets. I pinned this, and I'll make it as soon as I can. Thanks for sharing it!

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  6. Diane, this sounds so yummy!! Thank you! We love almonds! Christmas treats? Mom's fruit cake, mom's pumpkin pie, mom's raspberry and coconut and almond squares, mom's BUTTER TARTS, mom's homemade cinnamon buns. ok I think I should stop! LOL! Merry Christmas! Big Hugs ;o)

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  7. They look delicious, I love the taste of almonds.
    The plate is adorable.

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  8. Hi Diane, they look so pretty and I'm sure they taste divine. My favourite treats at Christmas - lots of chocolate and mince pies! Have a wonderful Christmas. Barbara xx

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  9. This makes me want to eat myself into a sugary stupor :)
    I wish you a Merry Christmas!!! :)

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  10. Dear Diane - I have got to try these...love almonds and the base looks like a shortbread - may make these this week-end to put with my other cookies. It will be like you stopped by to visit and brought me plate. Have a great day.

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  11. Yummy! These sound really good. I do like almonds but have never had these before so I need to make some. I like the name almond dreams :) Hope you have a Merry Christmas!

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  12. Oh my gosh, these almond dreams look so yummy, Diane. Yes, I love almonds. I wish I could have one to go with my coffee right now. Jess makes goodies every Christmas, and I think my favorite of hers is the Russian tea cookies.....they're so good.

    Merry Christmas, and I'm glad to have met you in blogland.

    Love,
    ~Sheri

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  13. Yummy! That is all. Oh, and Merry Christmas!

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  14. Dreams are right! I am totally making a vegan version of these.

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  15. Hey all! RK, let us know how they turn out! I had to make another batch of these because the family ate all of the others! :)

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