### Almond Shortbread Baked Goods: A Delicious Recipe
Almond shortbread is a delightful treat that combines the subtle nutty flavor of almonds with the crisp texture of traditional shortbread. This recipe is perfect for those who love a classic taste with a modern twist. Follow these detailed steps to create your own batch:
#### Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (2 sticks)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 egg yolk
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup finely ground almonds
#### Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowl
- Electric mixer or spoon
- Rolling pin
- Pastry cutter
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
### Step-by-Step Guide
#### Preparing the Dough
1. **Preheat Oven and Line Pan**: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place a rack in the center position and line your baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. **Cream Butter and Sugar**: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This process should take about 3-4 minutes.
#### Adding Flavor
3. **Mix in Eggs and Vanilla**: Beat in the egg yolk and vanilla extract to fully incorporate them into the mixture. Be careful not to overmix at this stage.
#### Incorporating Dry Ingredients
4. **Combine Dry Ingredients**: Add the flour and salt to the bowl with the butter-sugar mixture. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overwork the dough.
5. **Add Almonds**: Fold in the finely ground almonds evenly throughout the dough. The almond pieces should be distributed well for a pleasant crunch.
#### Shaping and Baking
6. **Roll Out Dough**: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick. Use a knife or cookie cutter to cut it into desired shapes (e.g., rounds or hearts).
7. **Arrange on Baking Sheets**: Place the cookies onto your prepared baking sheets. Leave space between each cookie as they will spread slightly during baking.
8. **Bake and Cool**: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow to cool on the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
### Tips for Perfect Almond Shortbread
- Ensure your butter is at room temperature; this will make creaming easier.
- Don’t overmix after adding dry ingredients; you want to maintain a soft, pliable dough.
- Store leftover cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
#### Conclusion
Enjoy the delightful crunch and nutty flavor of these almond shortbread treats. Whether for a special occasion or simply as a snack, they are sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Experiment with different shapes and flavors to find what you love most!
By following this detailed recipe, you can create beautiful, delicious almond shortbread that is both easy to make and perfect for sharing. Happy baking!