Decadent Chocolate Almond Crisps
Indulge in the delightful flavors of our Decadent Chocolate Almond Crisps, a cherished Christmas tradition in our household. These cookies feature a rich chocolate base, complemented by the nutty essence of ground blanched almonds and aromatic spices. While they may not be the most visually stunning cookies, their unique texture and irresistible taste make them a must-have during the festive season. Pairs beautifully with a cup of warm eggnog or a glass of milk. Close your eyes, take a bite, and savor the moment of pure indulgence!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ground blanched almonds
2 cups (Finely ground)
Icing sugar
1 1/2 cups (Sifted)
Cocoa powder
4 tablespoons (Sifted)
Ground cinnamon
2 1/2 teaspoons (Sifted)
Ground cloves
1/8 teaspoon (Sifted)
Unsweetened chocolate
3 ounces (Chopped)
Almond extract
1/2 teaspoon (N/A)
Large egg whites
2 (Whisked until frothy)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2
In a food processor, combine the ground blanched almonds and icing sugar. Pulse until the mixture is finely ground and well blended.
3
Add the cocoa powder, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, and the broken pieces of unsweetened chocolate to the almond-sugar mixture. Process again until the chocolate is finely ground and everything is incorporated.
4
In a separate bowl, whisk the egg whites until frothy, then add them along with the almond extract to the food processor. Blend until the mixture forms a cohesive dough.
5
Allow the dough to rest for about 5 minutes to enhance its texture.
6
On a clean surface dusted with icing sugar, roll out the dough to a thickness of about 1/4 inch.
7
Use your favorite cookie cutters to cut out shapes and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
8
Bake in the center of the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cookies are almost firm and slightly puffed but not browned.
9
Remove from the oven, let them cool on the sheets for a few minutes, and then carefully peel them off the parchment paper to cool completely.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Decadent Chocolate Almond Crisps?
These are traditional Christmas cookies featuring a rich chocolate base, ground blanched almonds, and aromatic spices with a unique, slightly puffed texture.
What ingredients are needed for this recipe?
You will need ground blanched almonds, icing sugar, cocoa powder, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, unsweetened chocolate, almond extract, and large egg whites.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 325°F (160°C).
How should I prepare the baking sheets?
Line two baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent the cookies from sticking.
Do I need a food processor for this recipe?
Yes, a food processor is used to finely grind the almonds, sugar, and unsweetened chocolate together to create a smooth dough.
How do I incorporate the unsweetened chocolate?
Break the unsweetened chocolate into pieces and add them to the almond-sugar mixture in the food processor, then process until finely ground.
What spices are included in the dough?
The recipe calls for 2.5 teaspoons of ground cinnamon and 1/8 teaspoon of ground cloves.
How should the egg whites be prepared?
The egg whites should be whisked in a separate bowl until they are frothy before being added to the food processor.
Should the dough rest before rolling it out?
Yes, allow the dough to rest for about 5 minutes to enhance its texture before rolling.
What should I use to dust my work surface?
Dust your clean rolling surface with icing sugar instead of flour.
How thick should the cookie dough be rolled?
Roll out the dough to a thickness of approximately 1/4 inch.
How long do these cookies need to bake?
Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes in the center of the preheated oven.
How do I tell when the cookies are finished baking?
The cookies are done when they are almost firm and slightly puffed, but they should not be allowed to brown.
What is the cooling process for these cookies?
Let them cool on the sheets for a few minutes, then carefully peel them off the parchment paper to finish cooling completely.
What drinks pair well with Chocolate Almond Crisps?
They pair beautifully with a cup of warm eggnog or a cold glass of milk.
Is there any flour in this recipe?
No, this recipe uses ground almonds and icing sugar as the base instead of traditional wheat flour.
What type of almonds should I use?
Use 2 cups of ground blanched almonds for the best results.
How much almond extract is required?
The recipe requires 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract.
Can I use cookie cutters for these?
Yes, you can use your favorite cookie cutters to cut the dough into festive shapes.
What is the flavor of the unsweetened chocolate?
It provides a deep, intense chocolate base that is balanced by the sweetness of the icing sugar.
Are these cookies suitable for holidays?
Yes, they are described as a cherished Christmas tradition and holiday treat.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 8 main ingredients in this recipe.
What is the texture of these cookies?
They have a unique texture that is slightly puffed and crisp yet indulgent.
Why is icing sugar used in the dough?
Icing sugar helps create a fine texture and provides the necessary sweetness to balance the unsweetened cocoa and chocolate.
Do I need to sift the cocoa powder?
Yes, the recipe recommends using sifted cocoa powder for a smoother mixture.
Can I substitute the almonds?
This specific recipe is designed for ground blanched almonds, which provide the signature nutty essence and texture.
Is this a difficult recipe to make?
It is tagged as an easy recipe, especially since most of the mixing is handled by a food processor.
Should I grease the baking sheets?
The instructions recommend using parchment paper rather than greasing the sheets directly.
How many egg whites are needed?
The recipe calls for 2 large egg whites.
What makes these cookies 'decadent'?
The combination of real unsweetened chocolate, cocoa powder, and ground almonds creates a rich and indulgent flavor profile.