# Almond Cookies: Simple Cookie Recipes for Children to Bake This Christmas
Christmas is a season filled with joy, celebration, and, naturally, baking! One of the highlights of the festive time is preparing delectable treats to share with loved ones. Among the various holiday delights, almond cookies shine as an appealing option. Not only are they full of flavor, but they are also easy enough for children to create, making them a perfect holiday project.
## Why Almond Cookies?
Almond cookies are a traditional treat that adds a bit of sophistication to your holiday baking. The inclusion of almond meal as the main ingredient imparts these cookies with a distinctive, nutty taste and a slightly crunchy bite. They are not excessively sweet, making them an ideal pairing with a cup of tea or coffee throughout the festive period. Additionally, they serve as a lovely gift when beautifully packaged.
## Ingredients
To prepare almond cookies, you will need these straightforward ingredients:
– 1 cup almond meal
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup powdered sugar
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
– A pinch of salt
These components are readily available and can be stored in your pantry, making it effortless to prepare a batch whenever you desire.
## Step-by-Step Instructions
1. **Preheat the Oven**: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. **Mix the Dry Ingredients**: In a bowl, mix the almond meal, all-purpose flour, powdered sugar, baking powder, and salt. Stir well to ensure all dry ingredients are thoroughly combined.
3. **Cream the Butter**: In another bowl, cream the softened butter until it becomes smooth. Add the vanilla extract and blend until incorporated.
4. **Combine Mixtures**: Slowly add the dry mixture to the butter mixture, mixing until a dough forms. If the dough appears too crumbly, you can incorporate a teaspoon of milk to help it bind.
5. **Shape the Cookies**: Take small amounts of the dough and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, allowing some space between each cookie. You can slightly flatten them using the back of a fork for a decorative effect.
6. **Bake**: Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 10-12 minutes or until the edges turn lightly golden. Keep an eye on them to prevent overbaking.
7. **Cool and Serve**: After baking, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before moving them to a wire rack to cool completely.
## Fun for Kids
Baking almond cookies isn’t just about the final product but also about the enjoyable experience of making them. Children can assist with measuring ingredients, mixing the dough, and shaping the cookies. This activity fosters creativity and can be a wonderful way to connect as a family during the holiday season.
## Gifting Ideas
After your almond cookies are baked and cooled, consider packing them in festive boxes or tins. You can personalize the packaging by embellishing it with ribbons or holiday-themed stickers. These cookies make for a considerate gift for neighbors, teachers, or friends, spreading the holiday spirit.
## Conclusion
Almond cookies are a charming addition to your holiday baking collection. Their rich flavor, coupled with the joy of baking with children, makes them an excellent choice for Christmas. With a few ingredients and simple steps, these cookies are bound to become a family favorite. So gather your ingredients, invite the kids into the kitchen, and begin creating wonderful memories this Christmas!