Nut and Spice Cookie Recipes - Cinnamon Hearties

 

Ingredients 

• 1 2/3 cups/250 g all-purpose/plain flour

• 1/8 tsp salt

• 3/4 cup/180 g butter, softened

• 1/3 cup/70 g granulated sugar

• 1 tsp almond extract/essence 

TOPPING:

• 1/3 cup/70 g superfine/caster sugar

• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

• 2/3 cup/100 g coarsely chopped blanched almonds, toasted

• 1 large egg white, lightly beaten

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Method:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F/190°C/gas 5. Butter three cookie sheets. Sift the flour and salt into a medium bowl.

2. Beat the butter and sugar in a large bowl with an electric mixer at high speed until creamy. Mix in the dry ingredients and almond extract.

3. The mixture should be slightly crumbly. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until the dough can be formed into a firm, smooth dough.

4. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to a 12 x 8-inch (30 x 20-cm) rectangle. Cut into 3 x 1-inch (8 x 2.5-cm) bars.

5. Transfer the cookies to the prepared cookie sheets, placing them 1/2 inch (1 cm) apart.

6. Almond Cinnamon Topping: Mix the superfine sugar, cinnamon, and almonds in a small bowl.

7. Brush the cookies with the beaten egg white and sprinkle with the topping.

8. Bake, one sheet at a time, for 12-15 minutes, or until just golden. Cool on the sheet until the cookies firm slightly. Transfer to racks to cool.