CITRUS ALMOND COOKIES

Citrus Almond Cookies image

These frosted goodies were a "must" every Christmas in my mother's family. I think the blend of milk chocolate, toasted almonds, lemon and orange is cookie perfection.

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 35m

Yield 6 dozen.

Number Of Ingredients 15

Ingredients

4 cups unblanched almonds, toasted
1 cup sugar
5 milk chocolate candy bars (1.55 ounces each), melted
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 large eggs, room temperature
4 teaspoons grated orange zest
1 tablespoon orange juice
2 teaspoons grated lemon zest
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 teaspoon lemon extract
FROSTING:
1 cup confectioners' sugar
1/2 teaspoon lemon extract
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 to 4 teaspoons water

Steps:

Place almonds in a food processor; cover and process until finely chopped. In a large bowl, combine the almonds, sugar, chocolate and cinnamon; set aside. , In a small bowl, beat the eggs, orange zest, orange juice, lemon zest and extracts until combined. Gradually add to almond mixture and mix well. Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours or until easy to handle., Preheat oven to 325°. Roll into 1-in. balls. Place 2 in. apart on parchment paper-lined baking sheets. Bake until bottoms are lightly browned, 12-15 minutes. Remove to wire racks to cool. , Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine the confectioners' sugar, extracts and enough water to achieve spreading consistency. Spread over cooled cookies. Store in airtight containers.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 83 calories, Fat 5g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 7mg cholesterol, Sodium 7mg sodium, Carbohydrate 8g carbohydrate (6g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 2g protein.