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Buttery Almond Cookies (Mandel Kager)

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. This recipe dates back to the 1940s, and it couldn’t be easier to make. Be sure to use good butter and toast the almonds for exceptional flavor!

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.

Notes

Yield: Makes approximately 30 cookies.