Christmas Cookies

Directions

1. 1

   Step 1

   

   Separate the whites from the yolks. Prepare a coffee grinder or mixer, a skillet, and a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

2. 2

   Step 2

   

   Pour boiling water over the almonds and let them sit for 2 minutes. Then rinse the nuts under cold water and peel off the skins.

3. 3

   Step 3

   

   Toast the peeled almonds in a dry skillet over low heat for 10 minutes. Stir the nuts to prevent burning.

4. 4

   Step 4

   

   Transfer the nuts to a coffee grinder or blender and grind into fine crumbs.

   TipInstead of toasting, you can bake the almonds in the oven at 150 °C for 10–15 minutes. The nuts also need to be stirred occasionally.

5. 5

   Step 5

   

   Combine the egg whites and lemon juice in a bowl. Whisk with a whisk until foam appears on the surface. Add powdered sugar, vanilla sugar, and orange zest. Mix everything thoroughly.

6. 6

   Step 6

   

   Add the almond flour to the bowl and gently fold in with a spatula. You should get a firm dough that is slightly sticky to the touch. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 5–7 hours, or preferably overnight.

7. 7

   Step 7

   

   Dust the work surface with cornstarch. Place the dough and roll it into a log about 3–4 cm in diameter. Cut it into 20 pieces. Lightly roll each piece in cornstarch and stretch with your fingers, forming an oval about 1 cm thick.

8. 8

   Step 8

   

   Transfer the pieces to a baking sheet and dust with powdered sugar. Place in an oven preheated to 160 °C and bake for 15–20 minutes. Let the cookies cool directly on the baking sheet.

   TipTo help the powdered sugar adhere to the cookies, you can slightly moisten the tops of the pieces.

9. 9

   Step 9

   

   Carefully transfer the cookies to a plate or a candy dish. Serve with tea, coffee, or a glass of warm milk.