Chewy Orange-Almond Cookies

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Photo: Dana Gallagher
Yield:
2 dozen

These confectioners'-sugar-dusted almond cookies are also made with fruit (orange zest) and spice (anise seed), giving them a complex flavor.

Ingredients

  • 4 ½ ounces sliced almonds, about 1 ¼ cups

  • ¾ cup sugar

  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour

  • Zest of 2 oranges, finely grated, about 4 tablespoons

  • 1 teaspoon anise seeds, crushed

  • 3 large egg whites, room temperature

  • ¼ teaspoon salt

  • 2 teaspoons confectioners' sugar

Directions

  1. Heat oven to 350 degrees. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper, and set aside.

  2. In the bowl of a food processor, blend 3 1/2 ounces almonds (about 1 cup) with a cup sugar until almonds are finely ground. Transfer almond mixture to a medium bowl. Stir in flour, orange zest, and crushed anise seeds.

  3. Using an electric mixer, whisk egg whites, salt, and remaining 1/4 cup sugar to soft glossy peaks. Fold egg-white mixture into dry ingredients until just blended.

  4. Spoon level tablespoons of batter 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets. Using remaining 3/4 ounce almonds, arrange 3 sliced almonds on each cookie. Sift confectioners' sugar over cookies. Bake until cookies are lightly browned along edges, about 12 minutes. Cool slightly before removing from sheets with a spatula.

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