ALMOND DANISH COFFEE CAKES

Almond Danish Coffee Cakes image

Rich almond paste is enveloped within each of these tender, flaky pastries, making them the perfect choice for a festive gathering. At first glimpse, guests will know these were a labor of love. -Deirdre Cox, Kansas City, Missouri

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 2h25m

Yield 2 loaves (12 slices each).

Number Of Ingredients 18

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Ingredients

4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup sugar
2 packages (1/4 ounce each) active dry yeast
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup 2% milk
1/2 cup butter, cubed
2 large eggs
1/2 cup cold butter
ALMOND PASTE:
2 cups finely chopped blanched almonds
2 cups confectioners' sugar
2 large egg whites
1/4 teaspoon almond extract
FINISHING:
1 large egg white, lightly beaten
1 large egg yolk
1 tablespoon water
1/4 cup sliced almonds

Steps:

In a large bowl, combine 1-1/2 cups flour, sugar, yeast and salt. In a small saucepan, heat milk and cubed butter to 120°-130°. Add to dry ingredients; beat just until moistened. Add eggs; beat until smooth. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a firm dough. Cover and refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight., Turn onto a heavily floured surface; roll dough into an 18x12-in. rectangle. Cut cold butter into thin slices. Starting with a short side of dough, arrange half of the butter slices over two-thirds of rectangle to within 1/2 in. of edges., Fold unbuttered third of dough over middle third. Fold remaining third over the middle, forming a 12x6-in. rectangle. Press edges to seal. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Roll dough into an 18x12-in. rectangle., Repeat steps of dough folding, ending with a 12x6-in. rectangle, chilling and rolling dough into an 18x12-in. rectangle three times., In a small bowl, combine the almonds, confectioners' sugar, egg whites and almond extract. Set aside. On a floured surface roll dough into a 20-in. square. Cut in half, forming two rectangles., Spoon half of the almond paste over one rectangle. Roll up jelly-roll style, starting with a long side. Brush edge with egg white; pinch seam to seal. Bring ends of roll towards the center to form a "B" shape. Place seam side down on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Repeat with remaining dough and almond paste., Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 40 minutes. Combine egg yolk and water; brush over dough. Sprinkle with sliced almonds., Bake at 350° for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from pans to wire racks to cool.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 291 calories, Fat 15g fat (6g saturated fat), Cholesterol 47mg cholesterol, Sodium 174mg sodium, Carbohydrate 33g carbohydrate (15g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 7g protein.