Almond Shortbread

Almond Shortbread is a classic buttery and nutty treat that is perfect for any occasion. With a delicate crumb and a rich almond flavor, these biscuits are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. The combination of flour, ground almonds, butter, sugar, and almond essence creates a delightful texture and taste.

Making Almond Shortbread is simple and requires only a few ingredients. The flour and ground almonds are mixed together, and the butter is rubbed into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. Sugar and almond essence are added, and the mixture is pressed into a baking tin. The dough is then brushed with egg white and topped with flaked almonds before baking. Once cooled, the shortbread is cut into individual biscuits and dusted with sugar before serving.

INGREDIENTS:

• 150g/5oz plain flour
• 75g/3oz ground almonds
• 175g/6oz butter
• 100g/4oz caster sugar, plus extra for dusting
• A few drops of almond essence
• 1 egg white, lightly beaten
• 50g/2oz flaked almonds

PREPARATION:

1. Preheat the oven to 160°C/325°F/Gas mark 3. Lightly grease an 18 x 28cm/7 x 11in shallow baking tin.
2. In a bowl, combine the plain flour and ground almonds.
3. Cut the butter into small pieces and rub it into the flour and almonds with your fingertips until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
4. Stir in the caster sugar and almond essence.
5. Squeeze the mixture together to form a dough.
6. Put the dough in the prepared baking tin and spread it to the edges by pressing it down with a metal spoon.
7. Lightly brush the top of the dough with the beaten egg white.
8. Sprinkle the flaked almonds evenly over the top.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes or until lightly browned.
10. Leave the shortbread to cool in the tin, then cut it into individual biscuits.
11. Dust the biscuits with a little extra caster sugar just before serving.

YIELD:

This recipe serves 8, depending on the size of the biscuits.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:

• Be sure to lightly grease the baking tin to prevent sticking.
• When rubbing the butter into the dry ingredients, ensure that the butter is cold and cut into small pieces for easier incorporation.
• Use a metal spoon to press the dough into the baking tin evenly.
• Allow the shortbread to cool completely in the tin before cutting it into biscuits for easier handling.
• Dust the biscuits with sugar just before serving for a touch of sweetness.

TIPS:

• For added flavor, you can sprinkle a pinch of ground cinnamon or nutmeg into the dough.
• Serve the Almond Shortbread alongside a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful treat.
• Store the biscuits in an airtight container to maintain their freshness.

Almond Shortbread is a delightful treat with a delicate crumb and a rich almond flavor. These buttery biscuits are perfect for enjoying on their own or alongside a cup of tea or coffee. With a simple preparation process and minimal ingredients, you can easily whip up a batch of these delicious treats.

To make Almond Shortbread, combine flour, ground almonds, butter, sugar, and almond essence. The mixture is pressed into a baking tin, brushed with egg white, and topped with flaked almonds. After baking, the shortbread is cooled, cut into individual biscuits, and dusted with sugar. The result is a delightful biscuit with a nutty and buttery taste.

Enjoy the delightful flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture of Almond Shortbread with every bite.