Almond Paste Cookies
Site visitor Julie Greene forwarded this recipe, which was a holiday tradition in her house when she was growing up. They have a unique, light, moist texture balanced with crisp almonds. Julie tells us, "I have memories of getting in trouble for eating large quantities of these before Christmas when I was asked not to!"
by User Submitted | on 11/02/10
Photo credit: Emily Wyckoff
Ingredients
- 2 pounds almond paste
- 1 2/3 cups granulated sugar
- 3 cups confectioners' sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 6 rounded tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 cup egg whites
- 1 1/2 pounds blanched, slivered/sliced almonds
Makes approximately 8 dozen cookies
Preparation
Grate the almond paste with the large holes of a box grater.
Mix the sugars and cornstarch together in a large bowl. Add the grated almond paste to the sugar mixture. Mix until fine granules form (you can also do this in a mixer on low).
Beat the egg whites in a separate bowl with a fork until frothy, 1-2 minutes. Add the egg whites and salt to the sugar/almond paste mixture and mix to combine.
Roll the dough into teaspoon-size balls and roll in the slivered/sliced almonds to coat. The dough will be very loose – keep your hands wet to make it easier to roll.
Place the balls on wax or parchment paper and cover with additional paper. Let the dough balls sit out on the countertop for 1-3 hours, until they dry out a bit.
Pre-heat the oven to 375°F.
Bake the cookies on parchment paper-lined cookie sheets for for 12-15 minutes, until puffed and light golden brown.
Bake the cookies on parchment paper-lined cookie sheets for for 12-15 minutes, until puffed and light golden brown.
Note: this recipe may be halved.
