Ah, Toffee Almond Sandies, a classic treat that brings the warmth and joy of Christmas into every bite. This recipe will yield about 24 cookies, perfect for sharing with loved ones during the holiday season. Let’s embark on this delightful culinary journey.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Add-ins
- 1 cup chopped almonds, toasted
- 3/4 cup toffee bits
Optional for Finishing
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Melted chocolate for drizzling
Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Ingredients
- Toast the Almonds: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the chopped almonds on a baking sheet and toast them for about 5-7 minutes until they are golden and fragrant. Let them cool.
Step 2: Mixing the Dough
- Sift the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until incorporated.
- Fold in Almonds and Toffee: Gently fold in the toasted almonds and toffee bits.
Step 3: Shaping and Baking
- Shape the Cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them 2 inches apart on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
- Dust with Powdered Sugar: Once cooled, dust the cookies with powdered sugar for a festive look.
- Drizzle with Chocolate (Optional): If desired, drizzle melted chocolate over the cookies for an extra layer of indulgence.
The Sensory Experience
As these Toffee Almond Sandies bake, your kitchen will be filled with a warm, buttery aroma, accentuated by the sweet scent of toffee and the nuttiness of almonds. Biting into one, you’ll experience a delightful crunch followed by the melt-in-your-mouth buttery texture, the rich nuttiness of almonds, and the sweet, caramel-like flavor of toffee. It’s a harmonious blend of flavors that truly encapsulates the spirit of Christmas.
Creative Variations
- Spice It Up: Add a teaspoon of ground cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a spicy twist.
- Nut Variations: Feel free to substitute almonds with pecans or walnuts for a different nutty flavor.
- Citrus Zest: Add a teaspoon of orange or lemon zest to the dough for a hint of citrus.
Enjoy baking these Toffee Almond Sandies, and may they bring joy and warmth to your holiday celebrations!