BUTTER ALMOND BRAIDS

Butter Almond Braids image

Provided by Sylvia Linda Cotter

Categories Cookies

Time 30m

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 c unsalted butter
1 c granulated sugar
1/2 c milk
3 1/2 c all purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1 large egg
1 tsp almond extract
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 c chopped toasted almonds for topping
1/2 c colored or plain granulated sugar for topping

Steps:

1. Sift together the flour,sugar, baking powder, and salt. Stir in almond and vanilla extracts. Add butter (softened), and milk and stir well. Use hands to incorporate ingredients well.
2. Form dough into loaf and cover in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for 4-6 hours.
3. Divide dough into 4 equal parts. Re-wrap and refrigerate 3 parts and keep one to work with. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Divide this piece of dough into 12 equal pieces.
4. On a lightly sugared surface, roll each piece into a pencil diameter, 5 inch length of dough. Braid two pieces together. Repeat with remaining pieces, keeping dough chilled till ready to roll.
5. Place braids about 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheets. Combine toasted almonds and sugar. Sprinkle warm cookies with almond sugar mixture.
6. Bake about 10-12 minutes, just till braids begin to brown. Carefully lift each braid to a wire rack to cool. Store in a tightly sealed container.