Crisp Almond Cookies Recipe 455

Steps:

• In a large bowl, cream the butter, shortening and sugar and fluffy. Beat in water and vanilla. Combine flour and salt; gradually add to the creamed mixture and mix well. Stir in almonds. , Roll into 1-in. balls. Place 2 in. apart on ungreased baking sheets; flatten slightly with a fork. , Bake at 350° for 12-14 minutes or until lightly browned. Remove to wire racks to cool. Dust with confectioners' sugar.

Steps:

• Cover a baking sheet with plastic wrap (or line a 6"x9" glass baking dish with plastic wrap).
• In a medium saucepan over low heat, stir the butter, sugar, cinnamon and water until the butter mrlts; don't let it boil.
• Most of the sugar will 'not' be disolved.
• Remove the pan from the heat.
• Stir in the flour, baking soda and almonds. Mix well.
• Cool 5 minutes.
• On the sheet covered with plastic wrap, shape the dough into a 5"x8" rectangle that is 1" high, rounding out the edges and corners slightly - OR - press the dough into a 6"x9" dish.
• Cover with more plastic wrap and chill at least 4 hours or overnight.
• Set the oven at 325°.
• Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
• Lift the block of dough from the baking sheet (or dish).
• Set it on a cutting board, discarding the plastic wrap.
• Using a long, sharp knife, slice the dough crosswise into rectangles as thin as a coin.
• Space the cookies on a bakiing sheet about 1/2" apart.
• Bake for 8 minutes, until the cookies feel slightly firm and the undersides are golden brown.
• With a wide spatula, turn the cookies over and bake 8 minutes more.
• Leave the cookies on the sheet to cool for 5 minutes.
• Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
• Store in an airtight container.

Steps:

• Heat oven to 375 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment, and lightly coat with nonstick cooking spray. In the bowl of an electric mixer, combine ground almonds, sugar, and egg whites. Beat on medium speed until thick, about 3 minutes. Beat in extracts.
• Roll dough into 1-inch balls, and place 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheet. Flatten each ball with dampened fingers, and gently press 2 sliced almonds on top.
• Bake until just brown on top, about 10 minutes. Remove from oven, and place on a wire rack for 5 to 10 minutes. Remove cookies from baking sheet while still warm, and place on a wire rack to cool.