Adapted from Washburn Crosby Gold Medal Flour Kitchen Tested Recipes (1920s-1930s)
These buttery almond cookies are perfect for when you have a cookie emergency! The recipe dates back to the 1930s, and couldn’t be easier to make.
This simple cookie is made more interesting with the addition of cinnamon and cardamom, which is a big favorite in our family.
The key is to use really good butter if you can, since butter is really one of the stars here. And definitely take the time to toast the almonds to bring out their nuttiness – it only takes a few minutes and it really makes a difference.
Did I mention that these are super easy to make? You don’t really need a mixer use one when I’m feeling a bit lazy!
You can add a sprinkle of raw or granulated sugar on the top for a little sparkle, but they don’t really need it – they’re fine without.
These cookies soft and buttery and nutty, and store really well in the freezer so they’re there when you need a quick sugar fix!
Buttery Almond Cookies (Mandel Kager)
Ingredients
- 1 ⅔ cups flour
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- ½ tablespoon ground cardamom
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup salted butter, softened
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- ½ cup chopped almonds, toasted
Optional
- Sugar for garnish (raw or granulated – whichever you prefer)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Line a cookie sheet with parchment and set aside.
- Whisk together the flour, cinnamon, cardamom, and baking powder and set aside.
- Cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and mix until incorporated.
- Stir in the dry ingredients until just combined, then fold in the chopped toasted almonds.
- Roll into 1-inch balls (about 1 tablespoon of dough each) and place on the prepared cookie sheet.
- Flatten slightly with your palm and sprinkle with a little bit of raw or granulated sugar if desired.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, until just set and the bottoms are lightly browned.
- Cool on the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Store in an airtight container on the counter or refrigerator. These also freeze beautifully.
