Recipe: Almond Sugar Cookies (Almendrados) for Lil

ALMOND SUGAR COOKIES (ALMENDRADOS)
Source: My Kitchen in Spain: 225 Authentic Regional Recipes by Janet Mendel

"Here's a favorite cookie that's found at every bakeshop. It should become a favorite for filling your cookie jar."

1 1/2 cups ground almonds
3/4 cup sugar
1 tsp. lemon zest
2 large eggs, separated
1/4 cup sliced almonds

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line 2 baking sheets with non-stick paper.

In a mixing bowl, combine ground almonds, sugar, and lemon zest.

In another bowl, beat egg whites at high speed until stiff. On medium speed, beat in the yolks. Fold the egg mixture into the almond mixture.

Drop the batter by the tablespoon onto the baking sheets. The batter will spread, so leave 2 inches between cookies. Sprinkle the tops of the cookies with sliced almonds.

Bake the cookies until lightly browned around the edges, 10 to 12 minutes.

Remove form the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheets. Store them in an airtight container.

Makes 24 cookies