Best Almond Love Knots Recipes

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ALMOND LOVE KNOTS



Almond Love Knots image

Crunchy yet tender and buttery, these sparkling intertwined wedding ring-shaped cookies will become your go-to butter cookie. They actually improve in flavor on keeping. Cookies can be made up to 1 week ahead and kept in an airtight container at room temperature.

Provided by RuthE

Categories     Desserts     Nut Dessert Recipes     Almond Dessert Recipes

Time 1h45m

Yield 24

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
½ cup almond flour
½ cup confectioners' sugar
¼ teaspoon salt
¾ cup cold butter, cut into small pieces
1 large egg, separated
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon almond extract
3 tablespoons ice water
3 tablespoons turbinado sugar (such as Sugar in the Raw®)

Steps:

  • Blend all-purpose flour, almond flour, confectioners' sugar, and salt together in a food processor. Add butter; pulse until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add egg yolk, extracts, and ice water and pulse just until a smooth dough forms.
  • Turn dough out onto a work surface, divide in half, form into disks, and dust each disk with flour. Wrap disks in plastic wrap and refrigerate until firm and cold, at least 1 hour to overnight.
  • Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
  • Roll 1 dough disk out onto a floured surface with a floured rolling pin to 1/8-inch thickness. Use a floured 1 1/2-inch round cookie cutter to cut dough into rounds. Cut out the center of each round with a 1/2-inch floured round cookie cutter to form rings. Repeat with remaining dough disk.
  • Cut through side of 1 dough ring and slip it around another to intertwine rings, pressing cut pieces together to seal ring. Place interlocked rings on prepared baking sheets.
  • Beat egg white until frothy. Gently brush each "love knot" with egg white and sprinkle with turbinado sugar. Bake in the center of the preheated oven until lightly browned on edges, 15 to 18 minutes. Carefully transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 113.7 calories, Carbohydrate 10.6 g, Cholesterol 23 mg, Fat 7.3 g, Fiber 0.5 g, Protein 1.7 g, SaturatedFat 3.8 g, Sodium 68.8 mg, Sugar 4.2 g

ALMOND LOVE KNOTS



ALMOND LOVE KNOTS image

Categories     Nut

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup almond flour
1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup cold butter, cut into small pieces
1 large egg, separated
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon almond extract
3 tablespoons ice water
3 tablespoons turbinado sugar (e.g. Sugar in the Raw)

Steps:

  • Blend all-purpose flour, almond flour, confectioners' sugar, and salt together in a food processor. Add butter; pulse until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add egg yolk, extracts, and ice water and pulse just until a smooth dough forms.
  • Turn dough out onto a work surface, divide in half, form into disks, and dust each disk with flour. Wrap disks in plastic wrap and refrigerate until firm and cold, at least 1 hour to overnight.
  • Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
  • Roll 1 dough disk out onto a floured surface with a floured rolling pin to 1/8-inch thickness. Use a floured 1 1/2-inch round cookie cutter to cut dough into rounds. Cut out the center of each round with a 1/2-inch floured round cookie cutter to form rings. Repeat with remaining dough disk.
  • Cut through side of 1 dough ring and slip it around another to intertwine rings, pressing cut pieces together to seal ring. Place interlocked rings on prepared baking sheets.
  • Beat egg white until frothy. Gently brush each "love knot" with egg white and sprinkle with turbinado sugar.
  • Bake in the center of the preheated oven until lightly browned on edges, 15 to 18 minutes. Carefully transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.

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Almond love knots are a delicious Italian pastry that is commonly enjoyed with coffee or tea. These sweet knots of dough are infused with a nutty almond flavor and have a delicate crunch from the sliced almonds that adorn the top. They are perfect for any time of the day, but are particularly satisfying as an afternoon treat or a post-dinner dessert.

The History of Almond Love Knots

The history of almond love knots can be traced back to ancient Rome, where bakers would create a similar pastry known as "panis quadratus." These small, twisted rolls were a staple food item used by Roman soldiers during their long marches across the Mediterranean. Over time, the recipe evolved, and the pastry became a popular choice among Italian bakers in the early 20th century when using almonds as a main ingredient began to trend. Today, almond love knots remain a beloved Italian pastry.

The Ingredients

The ingredients needed to make almond love knots typically include flour, sugar, yeast, eggs, butter, almonds, milk, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Some recipes may also call for honey or orange zest to add another layer of flavor. While these ingredients may seem basic, the combination and proportions are what make these pastries truly special.

The Process of Making Almond Love Knots

When it comes to making almond love knots, there are a few crucial steps to follow to ensure that they turn out just right. First, you'll need to combine the dry ingredients (flour, sugar, and yeast) in a large mixing bowl. Then, you'll add in the wet ingredients (eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and almond extract) along with softened butter. The dough is then kneaded for several minutes until it becomes smooth, elastic, and slightly sticky. Next, the dough is covered with a damp cloth and left to rest for about an hour until it doubles in size. Once the dough has risen, it's time to shape the love knots. To do this, the dough is rolled out into long, thin ropes that are then twisted into a knot. These knots are brushed with a beaten egg and then sprinkled with sliced or chopped almonds. They are then baked in the oven until they are golden brown and fragrant. Once cool to the touch, they are dusted with powdered sugar and served.

Variations of Almond Love Knots

While almond love knots are delicious as is, there are many variations that can be made to cater to individual preferences. For example, some recipes may add in cocoa powder to make a chocolate version of the pastry. Others may substitute different nuts, such as pistachios or hazelnuts, for the almonds. There are also recipes that use different flours, such as whole wheat or almond flour, to make the pastry gluten-free or to add another layer of flavor.

Tips for Enjoying Almond Love Knots

When enjoying almond love knots, there are a few tips to keep in mind to get the most out of your pastry experience. First and foremost, it's important to pair them with a hot cup of coffee or tea. The warm drink helps to enhance the nutty flavor of the pastry and makes for a cozy and comforting moment. Additionally, it's always important to serve almond love knots fresh out of the oven so that they retain their crispy exterior and soft, fluffy interior. Finally, consider serving them with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of Nutella to make them even more decadent.

In Conclusion

In conclusion, almond love knots are a delicious and versatile Italian pastry that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Their fluffy interior, crispy exterior, and nutty flavor make them a perfect dessert or snack any time of the day. Whether enjoyed alone or with a warm cup of coffee, almond love knots are sure to become a staple in any pastry lover's kitchen.
Making almond love knots is a delightful and enjoyable way to add some sweetness to your life. Almond love knots are perfect as a snack or a dessert, and they can also make wonderful gifts for your loved ones. However, making almond love knots can be quite challenging for beginners. With that in mind, you need some valuable tips to help you get started with making perfect almond love knots.

Tip 1: Use Quality Ingredients

Using high-quality ingredients is a must when it comes to making almond love knots. It’s essential to use flour with a high gluten content to give your love knots the desired chewiness. Additionally, you should use fresh and quality almond paste or ground almonds to achieve the right flavor of the knots. Also, using fresh eggs, milk, and butter will give your almond love knots that rich, creamy taste.

Tip 2: Make Your Own Almond Paste

Making your almond paste can be an excellent way to add a personal touch to your almond love knot recipe. Homemade almond paste is often superior to store-bought versions, and it’s effortless to make. Blend together blanched almonds and sugar to make almond flour, and then add almond extract and enough water to form a paste. Homemade almond paste is the perfect filling for your love knots as it’s rich and flavorful.

Tip 3: Pay Attention to The Dough

The dough plays a crucial role in making perfect almond love knots. You should knead the dough sufficiently to develop the gluten content, but you also have to be careful not to over-knead it. The dough should be soft, pliable, and slightly sticky. Also, you need to allow the dough to rest for at least 30 minutes before shaping it into knots. This will give the dough time to relax, making it easier to work with.

Tip 4: Form Your Knots Properly

Forming your knots may be the most challenging part of making almond love knots. To make perfectly shaped knots, you need to know precisely how to twist and shape the dough. To form your love knots, take a small piece of dough, roll it into a rope, and then tie it into a knot. Make sure to seal the ends well so that they don’t come apart during baking. Brushing the knots with egg wash before baking will give them that beautiful golden color.

Tip 5: Bake Your Knots Properly

Baking your almond love knots correctly is essential for the final taste and texture. You want your love knots to be crispy on the outside and soft and chewy on the inside. Bake your knots at 375°F for around 15 to 20 minutes or until they are golden brown. Over-baking your knots can cause them to dry out and become hard and brittle.

Tip 6: Add Variations to Your Recipe

Adding some variations to your almond love knot recipe can make it more flavorful and exciting. You can add some cinnamon, lemon zest, or orange zest to the dough or sprinkle some coconut flakes or chopped nuts on top of the knots before baking. You can also use other fillings besides almond paste, such as chocolate, Nutella, or fruit preserves.

Tip 7: Store Your Knots Properly

Storing your almond love knots properly is essential to preserve their taste and texture. After cooling the knots, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat your knots, wrap them in foil and warm them in the oven at 350°F for around 5 to 10 minutes.
Conclusion
Almond love knots are a delicious and fun way to add some sweetness to your life. Making perfect knots requires some skills and techniques, but with the tips above, you can make some excellent almond love knots like a pro. Remember to use high-quality ingredients, shape and bake your knots correctly, and add some variations to your recipe to enhance the flavor. And don’t forget to store your almond love knots properly to enjoy their sweetness for days to come.

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