๐ช Almond Cookie Strips ๐ช
Almond Cookie Strips are delightful treats that have a rich history and are beloved by many for their nutty and sweet flavors. These delicious cookies are relatively easy to make, and they are perfect for enjoying with a cup of tea or coffee. Let’s dive into the details of Almond Cookie Strips, from their history to the ingredients, preparation steps, and time needed.
๐ History:
The exact origin of Almond Cookie Strips is not well-documented, but cookies with almonds have been enjoyed for centuries in various cultures. Almonds have a long history of cultivation and use in both Europe and Asia. Almond-based pastries and cookies likely evolved over time, and today, they come in various forms, including these delightful strips.
๐ง Ingredients:
To make Almond Cookie Strips, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup of butter (room temperature)
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon of almond extract
- 2 ยฝ cups of all-purpose flour
- ยฝ teaspoon of baking powder
- ยผ teaspoon of salt
- 1 cup of sliced almonds
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
๐ฉโ๐ณ Preparation Steps:
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Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
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Add Egg and Almond Extract: Add the egg and almond extract to the butter-sugar mixture, and beat until well combined.
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Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring until a dough forms.
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Form the Dough: Divide the dough into two equal portions. Shape each portion into a rectangular log, about 2 inches wide and 12 inches long.
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Add Almonds: Roll the logs in the sliced almonds, pressing gently to adhere the almonds to the dough.
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Chill the Dough: Wrap the logs in plastic wrap and refrigerate them for at least 2 hours or until firm. Chilling helps the dough hold its shape during baking.
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Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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Slice and Bake: Remove the chilled logs from the fridge and slice them into strips about ยผ inch thick. Place the strips on the prepared baking sheet.
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Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
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Cool and Dust: Allow the Almond Cookie Strips to cool on a wire rack. Once cooled, dust them with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.
โฒ๏ธ Time Needed:
- Preparation: Approximately 20-30 minutes
- Chilling: 2 hours or more
- Baking: 10-12 minutes
So, in total, you can expect to spend around 2 hours and 45 minutes to make these scrumptious Almond Cookie Strips from start to finish. Enjoy your homemade treats! ๐ช๐
Certainly, here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Almond Cookie Strips:
Nutrition Facts (Approximate per serving, based on a standard recipe):
- Serving Size: 1 cookie strip
- Calories: 90-100 calories per strip
- Total Fat: 6-8 grams
- Saturated Fat: 3-4 grams
- Cholesterol: 15-20 mg
- Sodium: 30-40 mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 8-10 grams
- Dietary Fiber: 1 gram
- Sugars: 4-5 grams
- Protein: 1-2 grams
Health Information:
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Moderation is Key: Almond Cookie Strips are a delightful treat, but they are also relatively high in fat and sugar. Enjoy them in moderation to maintain a balanced diet.
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Good Source of Healthy Fats: Almonds, used in these cookies, are a good source of healthy monounsaturated fats. They can be part of a heart-healthy diet when consumed in moderation.
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Protein and Fiber: While these cookies are not a significant source of protein or fiber, they do contain a small amount of both, contributing to a sense of fullness.
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Caloric Awareness: Be mindful of portion sizes, as calories can add up quickly when indulging in cookies. Consider sharing them with friends and family.
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Added Sugar: The sugar content in Almond Cookie Strips comes from both granulated sugar and any added powdered sugar for dusting. Excess sugar intake should be limited to maintain overall health.
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Sodium Content: The sodium content in these cookies is relatively low, making them a better choice compared to many processed snacks.
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Homemade Advantage: When you make these cookies at home, you have control over the ingredients, allowing you to make adjustments to suit your dietary preferences and restrictions.
Remember that the nutritional values provided are approximate and can vary based on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used in your recipe. Enjoy your Almond Cookie Strips as an occasional treat while maintaining a balanced diet.