Best Almond Shortbread Cookies Mantecaditos Recipes
MANTECADITOS - PUERTO RICAN SHORTBREAD COOKIES RECIPE - (4.1/5)
Provided by garciamoss
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350ºF (180ºC). Line an un-greased cookie sheet with parchment paper (optional). With a hand or stand mixer, cream butter and shortening until creamy and well combined (about 2 minutes). Add sugar and mix till creamy and fluffy (about 1 minute). Add the pinch of salt, vanilla and almond extract. Mix to combine. With mixer on medium-low, mix in the flour by ¼ cup. The mixture will look coarse and that's what we want! Take a tablespoon of the cookie dough and form it into a ball and place it on the cookie sheet. With your thumb, press on the cookie to flatten it slightly and create a little "well." Don't worry if they crack on the sides, they will turn out pretty. In the little well, drop a piece of guava or sprinkles. Bake in the oven for 10 to 12 minutes. After 10 minutes, check the cookies for doneness. The cookies will not brown on top, but the sides will get golden brown and that's what you want. Place them on a cooling rack for 5 to 10 minutes.
ALMOND SHORTBREAD COOKIES
Serve these cookies with a cold glass of milk or crumbled over chocolate or vanilla ice cream.
Provided by Food Network
Categories dessert
Time 1h25m
Yield 30 cookies
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Stir in the beaten egg and extract. Add the flour, ground almonds and lemon zest and mix until the dough comes together.
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead into a ball. Divide the dough in half and then roll each half into a log, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Wrap each log in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour (the dough can be frozen at this point for a later use).
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Remove the dough from the plastic wrap and slice into 1/4-inch-thick rounds. Place the cookies onto the prepared baking sheets and bake until golden brown at the edges, about 15 minutes. Let cool on the baking sheets for 3 or 4 minutes before transferring to wire cooling racks to cool completely, or just eat warm from the oven.
MANTECADITOS-ALMONDS SHORTBREAD COOKIES
Make and share this Mantecaditos-Almonds Shortbread Cookies recipe from Food.com.
Provided by Diana Adcock
Categories Drop Cookies
Time 35m
Yield 40 cookies
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Place your oven rack in the middle on your oven and preheat to 350°.
- In a medium bowl combine flour and nutmeg-set aside.
- In a large bowl beat butter, shortening and extracts and beat until smooth.
- Gradually add sugar and cream.
- Blend in flour-dough should be slightly moist.
- Using teaspoons and not your hands form into balls.
- Place on ungreased cookie sheet and press down slightly.
- Cut each cherry into 8 pieces and place a sliver on each cookie.
- Bake for 20 minutes and cool on a rack.
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Almond shortbread cookies, also known as mantecaditos, are a delightful treat that is often found in Latino culture. These cookies are made with almond flour, butter, sugar, and sometimes eggs. They are rich, buttery, and have a melt-in-your-mouth texture that is perfect for any occasion. In this article, we will explore the history of almond shortbread cookies and discuss some of the most popular recipes used to make them.
The origins of almond shortbread cookies
The history of almond shortbread cookies can be traced back to the Middle Ages when Europe started to trade with the Middle East. Almonds were brought to Europe during this time, and they quickly became a popular ingredient in many sweet treats. It is believed that the first almond shortbread cookies were made in Spain during the 16th century. The cookies were initially made with lard, sugar, and almond flour. However, as butter became more widely available, it replaced lard and became the primary fat used to make these cookies.The ingredients in almond shortbread cookies
Almond shortbread cookies are a simple recipe that requires only a few ingredients. The primary ingredients include almond flour, butter, sugar, and vanilla extract. Some variations include eggs to add a bit more richness to the cookies. Additionally, some people like to add lemon zest, cinnamon, or other spices to give the cookies a bit more flavor. Regardless of the recipe, the combination of the butter and almond flour is what creates the unique, delicate texture of these cookies.The different types of almond shortbread cookies
There are many variations of almond shortbread cookies that you can try. Some of the most popular ones include:Mantecaditos:
Mantecaditos are the most traditional form of almond shortbread cookies. These cookies are made with almond flour, butter, and sugar. They are perfect for dipping in a cup of hot coffee or tea.Polvorones:
Polvorones are a variation of mantecaditos that are made with powdered sugar. They have a slightly sweeter taste and a crumblier texture than traditional mantecaditos.Alfajores:
Alfajores are a South American version of almond shortbread cookies. They are typically filled with dulce de leche and rolled in coconut flakes.How to make almond shortbread cookies
The process of making almond shortbread cookies is quite simple. The following are the basic steps to make traditional mantecaditos:Step 1: Mix the ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine the almond flour, sugar, and softened butter. Mix thoroughly until the ingredients are well combined.Step 2: Chill the dough
Once the dough is mixed, wrap it in plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. This step will help the dough firm up, making it easier to shape.Step 3: Shape the cookies
After the dough has chilled, remove it from the refrigerator and roll it into small balls. Place the balls onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Use a fork to press down on the top of each cookie, making slight indentations.Step 4: Bake the cookies
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Once the oven is hot, place the baking sheet in the oven and bake the cookies for 12-15 minutes or until they are golden brown.Conclusion
Almond shortbread cookies, or mantecaditos, are a delicious treat that has been enjoyed for hundreds of years. Whether you prefer a traditional recipe or want to try a variation, these cookies will satisfy your sweet cravings. With just a few simple ingredients, you can make a batch of cookies that are perfect for sharing with friends and family. Give this recipe a try and see how you like it!
Valuable Tips When Making Almond Shortbread Cookies (Mantecaditos Recipes)
Almond shortbread cookies, or mantecaditos in Spanish, are a beloved baked good in many Latin American countries, particularly in the Caribbean. These cookies are known for their crumbly, melt-in-your-mouth texture, and the nuttiness of the almonds adds a delicious flavor to every bite.
If you’re looking to make almond shortbread cookies for the first time, or perhaps you’re looking to improve upon a recipe you’ve already tried, here are some valuable tips to keep in mind:
1. Use High-Quality Ingredients
As with most baked goods, the quality of your ingredients can make a huge difference in the final product. When making almond shortbread cookies, try to use high-quality almonds, butter, flour, and sugar. Using unsalted butter will also allow you to better control the salt level in the recipe.
2. Toast the Almonds
Toasting the almonds before adding them to your cookie dough can enhance their flavor and add a bit of crunch to the cookies. Spread the almonds onto a baking sheet and bake them in the oven for about 10 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit, or until they are lightly golden and fragrant. Allow the almonds to cool before adding them to the dough.
3. Chill the Dough
Chilling the dough is an important step that should not be skipped. This allows the dough to firm up and makes it easier to handle when forming the cookies. It also helps the cookies keep their shape and prevents them from spreading too much in the oven.
4. Use a Cookie Scoop
Using a cookie scoop is a great way to ensure that your cookies are all uniform in size and shape. This will help them to bake evenly and ensure that all of the cookies are done at the same time. A cookie scoop will also make the process of forming the dough balls faster and less messy.
5. Don’t Overwork the Dough
Overworking the dough can make the cookies tough and dry. When mixing the dough, be sure to only mix until the ingredients are just combined. Overmixing can also lead to spreading in the oven, so be sure to watch for the signs of overmixing.
6. Use Powdered Sugar
Many almond shortbread cookie recipes call for powdered sugar instead of granulated sugar. This is because the finer texture of the powdered sugar creates a more delicate crumb in the cookies. It also allows for the incorporation of the sugar to be smoother and less tough on the dough.
7. Add Citrus Zest
Adding citrus zest such as lemon or orange zest can help to brighten up the flavor of the cookies and add a little bit of tanginess. Zest can be added directly to the dough, or mixed into the powdered sugar before being added to the dough.
8. Add a Touch of Salt
While butter and almonds both contain salt, adding a small amount of salt to the dough can help to enhance the flavors and bring out the sweetness in the cookies. Kosher salt is a great choice for this, as it has a coarser texture that makes it easier to control the amount being added.
9. Allow the Cookies to Cool Completely
Almond shortbread cookies can be fragile while they are still warm. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This will help them to firm up and prevent them from breaking apart.
10. Store in an Airtight Container
To keep your almond shortbread cookies fresh and crispy, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to a week, and can also be frozen for longer storage.
In conclusion, almond shortbread cookies are a wonderful and delicious treat that are easy to make with a little bit of practice. By following these valuable tips, you can achieve the perfect crumbly, buttery texture and delicious almond flavor that makes these cookies so beloved. Happy baking!