Italian almond cookies are a traditional sweet treat. They can be enjoyed year round but are especially enjoyed during the holidays. They make a perfect accompaniment to coffee or tea.
In a large bowl whisk together the flours, salt and sugar then make a well in the middle and add the egg yolk, butter and vanilla, mix with a fork until almost combined. This dough can also be made with a food processor.
Move to a lightly floured flat surface and knead into a compact ball, wrap in plastic and refrigerate for one hour.
Pre-heat oven to 350 F (180C), line 1-2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
Remove the dough from the fridge and on a lightly floured flat surface roll into a ¼ inch (½ cm) thick rectangle, with your favourite cookie cutter cut out cookies (I used mini cutters and got a lot of cookies, the first photo I used a medium round cutter and I got 15 cookies).
Place cookies on prepared cookie sheets and bake for approximately 6 minutes (for mini cookies) approximately 8 - 10 minutes for larger. Do not let the cookies brown. Let them cool on the baking sheet for approximately 10 minutes then move to a wire rack to cool completely, dust with powdered sugar before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
If dough is too crumbly add a little extra softened butter (start with 1 tablespoon) or you could add the whole egg rather than the just the yolk.If you like you can even make your own almond flour. I use blanched almonds to make my almond flour. Place almonds, 1/4 -1/3 cup at a time, in a food processor. Pulse until you have a flour-like consistency. Then sift the flour into a container, any large bits pulse again.Almond flour is best stored in an airtight container either in a cool dry place or the fridge. It will last four or five months in the fridge.It can also be stored in the freezer, either in a freezer safe bag or container. It will last up to nine months in the freezer.If you aren’t going to freeze the cookies then store them in an airtight container and they should last up to 5 days. If you store them in the refrigerator they should last up to 8 days.
I would recommend freezing the cookies without the powdered sugar. Place the cookies in a single layer between parchment paper, be sure to store in an air tight container or a freezer bag. Cookies will last up to 3 months in the freezer.