Italian Almond Cookies

Italian Almond Cookies

These Italian Almond cookies are my take on Biscotti. Although these are baked once to create a crunchy outside and chewy inside. Perfect for dunking in coffee.

Yields 24 or so cookies

Ingredients:

• 195 GRAMS (1½ CUPS) ALL-PURPOSE FLOUR, PLUS MORE FOR DUSTING THE COUNTER

• ¾ TEASPOON BAKING SODA

• 100 GRAMS (1 CUP) SLICED ALMONDS

• 214 GRAMS (1 CUP) WHITE SUGAR

• 4 OUNCES ALMOND PASTE, BROKEN UP INTO 1-INCH PIECES

• 1 TEASPOON GRATED LEMON ZEST

• ¾ TEASPOON KOSHER SALT

• 1 LARGE EGG, PLUS 1 LARGE EGG, SEPARATED

• 1 TEASPOON VANILLA EXTRACT

Directions:

1. Heat the oven to 350°F with racks in the upper- and lower-middle positions. Line 2 baking sheets with kitchen parchment. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour and baking soda.

2. In a food processor, combine the sugar, almond paste, lemon zest and salt. Process until the almond paste has broken down and the mixture is sandy, about 30 seconds. Add the whole egg, the egg white and the vanilla and process until the mixture is smooth and lightened in color, 20 to 30 seconds, scraping the bowl as needed.

3. Transfer the almond paste-egg mixture to the bowl with the flour mixture and stir with a silicone spatula until the flour is mostly incorporated. Add the almonds and stir until incorporated. Turn the mixture out onto a lightly floured counter and knead a few times to bring the dough together.

4. Form the dough into a 14-inch log about 2 inches in diameter. Using a chef's knife or bench scraper, cut the log into fourths, then cut each quarter into 6 slices, each about ½ inch thick. Place the slices on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them evenly apart. In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining egg yolk and 1 teaspoon water, then lightly brush the mixture onto the slices.

5. Bake until the cookies are golden brown, 20 to 25 minutes, switching and rotating the baking sheets about halfway through. Let cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack and let cool completely, about 30 minutes.