Chocolate Almond Cookies

Chocolate Almond Cookies Recipe | From USA | All-Natural Ingredients

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 24 cookies

Introduction

Chocolate Almond Cookies are a delicious and indulgent treat that combines the rich flavors of chocolate and almonds in a chewy, decadent cookie. These cookies are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth and are sure to be a hit with friends and family.

History

The combination of chocolate and almonds has been a popular flavor pairing in desserts for centuries. Chocolate Almond Cookies are a modern twist on classic chocolate chip cookies, with the addition of almond extract and slivered almonds adding a nutty crunch to the rich chocolate flavor.

Ingredients

1 cup (2 sticks) softened butter or margarine
1 cup sugar
1 egg
0.5 tsp almond extract
0.5 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
0.5 cup Hershey's cocoa
0.25 tsp baking powder
0.25 tsp baking soda
0.13 tsp salt
1 cup Hershey's mini chips semi-sweet chocolate
additional sugar
slivered blanched almonds

How to prepare

In a large bowl, beat the butter and 1 cup of sugar until fluffy.
Add the egg, almond extract, and vanilla; beat well.
Combine the flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt; gradually add to the butter mixture, beating to form a smooth dough.
Stir in the small chocolate chips.
If necessary, refrigerate the dough for about 1 hour or until firm enough to handle.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
Shape the dough into 1.13 inch balls and roll them in sugar.
Place the balls about 2 inches apart on an ungreased cookie sheet.
Place three slivered almonds on top of each ball and press them slightly.
Bake for 9 to 10 minutes or until set.
Allow the cookies to cool slightly.
Remove them from the cookie sheet and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Variations

Substitute white chocolate chips for the semi-sweet chocolate chips for a different flavor profile.
Add chopped almonds or pecans for extra nuttiness and crunch.
Drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled cookies for a decorative touch.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy to ensure a tender cookie.

- Refrigerating the dough before baking helps the cookies hold their shape and prevents spreading.

- Pressing slivered almonds into the tops of the cookies before baking adds a decorative touch and extra crunch.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy Chocolate Almond Cookies with a glass of cold milk or a cup of hot tea for a comforting snack.

Cooking Techniques

Creaming the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy is essential for a tender cookie texture. Refrigerating the dough before baking helps the cookies hold their shape and prevents spreading.

Ingredient Substitutions

Margarine can be substituted with butter for a richer flavor.

- Almond extract can be substituted with almond essence for a similar flavor.

- Semi-sweet chocolate chips can be substituted with dark chocolate chips for a more intense chocolate flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

The cookie dough can be made ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking. Baked cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange Chocolate Almond Cookies on a decorative platter and sprinkle with powdered sugar for a festive touch. Serve on a tiered dessert stand for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Chocolate Almond Cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert. Serve alongside a cup of espresso for a sophisticated treat.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store Chocolate Almond Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. To reheat, place cookies on a baking sheet and warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5 minutes.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Chocolate Almond Cookies contains approximately 150 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Chocolate Almond Cookies contains approximately 20 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Chocolate Almond Cookies contains approximately 8 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Chocolate Almond Cookies contains approximately 2 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Chocolate Almond Cookies are not a significant source of vitamins and minerals.

Alergens

Chocolate Almond Cookies contain dairy (butter, egg) and nuts (almonds).

Summary

Chocolate Almond Cookies are a sweet treat that should be enjoyed in moderation due to their high sugar and fat content.

Summary

Chocolate Almond Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the rich flavors of chocolate and almonds in a chewy, decadent cookie. With a few simple ingredients and easy preparation, these cookies are sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy them with a glass of milk or a cup of tea for a comforting snack anytime.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of wonder I felt when I first saw this recipe for Chocolate Almond Cookies. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl, eager to learn the art of cooking from my mother. We were visiting a family friend, Mrs. Jenkins, who was known for her delicious baked goods. As soon as we walked into her kitchen, the sweet aroma of chocolate and almonds filled the air, and I knew I was in for a treat.

Mrs. Jenkins greeted us warmly and invited us to sit at the kitchen table while she finished baking a batch of cookies. As she worked, I watched in awe as she effortlessly mixed the ingredients together, her hands moving with precision and grace. I couldn't help but ask her how she learned to make such amazing treats.

With a smile, Mrs. Jenkins began to tell me the story of how she acquired the recipe for Chocolate Almond Cookies. She explained that she had learned it from her own grandmother, who had passed it down through the generations. The recipe was a family secret, carefully guarded and only shared with those who truly appreciated the art of baking.

As Mrs. Jenkins continued to bake, I listened intently, eager to learn more about the history behind the recipe. She told me that the cookies were a special treat, reserved for special occasions and holidays. The combination of rich chocolate and crunchy almonds was a perfect balance of flavors, guaranteed to satisfy even the pickiest of eaters.

I couldn't wait to try one of the cookies as soon as they came out of the oven. Mrs. Jenkins handed me a warm, freshly baked cookie, and I took a bite, savoring the rich, chocolatey flavor. It was unlike anything I had ever tasted before, and I knew that I had to learn how to make them myself.

After our visit with Mrs. Jenkins, my mother and I returned home, where I immediately begged her to teach me how to make the Chocolate Almond Cookies. She smiled and agreed, knowing how much I enjoyed baking and experimenting in the kitchen.

Together, we gathered the ingredients and set to work, following the recipe that Mrs. Jenkins had graciously shared with us. The smell of chocolate and almonds filled our kitchen, just like it had in Mrs. Jenkins' home. As we mixed and measured, my mother shared stories of her own experiences in the kitchen, passing down her knowledge and love of cooking to me.

Finally, the cookies were ready to be baked, and we eagerly waited for them to come out of the oven. The minutes felt like hours as we watched the cookies bake, the sweet aroma wafting through the air. When they were finally done, we carefully removed them from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack.

As soon as they were cool enough to eat, I took a bite of the Chocolate Almond Cookie that I had made with my own hands. The flavors exploded in my mouth, the rich chocolate melting into the crunch of the almonds. It was a taste of pure bliss, and I knew that I had found a new favorite recipe.

From that day on, the Chocolate Almond Cookies became a staple in our household. I would bake them for family gatherings, birthdays, and holidays, always receiving rave reviews from friends and loved ones. The recipe had become a part of my own family's history, just like it had been for Mrs. Jenkins and her ancestors.

Now, as I sit here writing this story, I can't help but feel a sense of gratitude for the women who came before me, passing down their knowledge and love of cooking. The recipe for Chocolate Almond Cookies may have originated from Mrs. Jenkins' grandmother, but it has become a cherished tradition in my own family, a reminder of the joy that comes from sharing good food with loved ones.

As I look back on that day in Mrs. Jenkins' kitchen, I am filled with a sense of wonder and nostalgia. The memory of learning to make Chocolate Almond Cookies will always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the magic that happens when a recipe is shared and enjoyed by generations to come. And as I continue to bake and share this recipe with others, I know that I am carrying on a tradition that will live on for years to come.