These are my Mom's Almond Slice cookies. If you have ever been the recipient of an Italian Cookie tray, or been into an Italian bakery, you have seen one of these cookies, maybe you've even tried one, and if you have, I can tell you right now that it wasn't nearly as delicious as my Mom's.
She's been making these for as long as I can remember. Her Italian cookie line up goes like this:
Wine biscuits
Pepper biscuits
Egg biscuits
Fig Cookies
Almond Slices
Out of that list, the only cookies I will eat are the last two. It's not that others aren't wonderful. They are some of her most requested cookies, I just don't like them. I adore the Almond Slices.
These are kind of like a softer version of a biscotti, chewy and crunchy at the same time. (Think crunchy chocolate chip cookie with chewy center). Make sure to check them before you take them out of the oven for the final time. They should be crunchy on top but moist in the center. They will continue to cook after you take them out of the oven, so just let them set. Make sure to cool completely before you slice them.
Mom's Almond Slices
Printable recipe
In a large bowl mix:
1 cup sugar
1 cup brown sugar
½ cup vegetable oil
2 tablespoons water
2 eggs
Mix together:
2 ½ cups flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
Add to the previous ingredients.
Mix to combine and stir in 2 cups sliced almonds. Roll into 2 logs about 10 inches long, and wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate a minimum of 1 hour. (It’s really best to refrigerate the dough overnight).
Place on a cookie sheet and bake for 20 - 30 minutes at 350. You need to go on feel here, so times vary. Feel them to see if they are too squishy, if they are put them back into the oven for 5-minute intervals. They should feel slightly hard.
Let them cool completely before you cut them into slices.
I like to eat mine with a big glass of milk, but I'm sure a nice steaming cup of Joe would be great too.
I've never seen these cookies before Lisa, I feel like you just gave me a gift! These look so good!! I love crunchy on the outside , chewy in the middle! Your pictures are outstanding!! Nobody at my house likes almond though, could I substitue chocolate chips???
ReplyDeleteThose looks yummy Lisa.
ReplyDeleteI also wanted to tell you that the pineapple in the cake? Delicious. I can't even describe how yummy fresh cut pineapple made that cake. :)
Bunny - I'm not sure how the chips would work, but if you do try it, let me know!
ReplyDeletePretzel - I will have to try that! Sounds delicious! Imagine adding coconut to that pineapple???? Oh God, I have to make that!
Almond slices - boy I haven't seen those since I left Cape Cod/Boston. How wonderful to see these here.
ReplyDeleteYou have a lovely blog and some truly delicious and delightful recipes.
I just bought sliced almonds at the store. Mine are almost paper thin. Yours look much thicker....help, please?
ReplyDeleteAnonymous, I use whole almonds and chop them up, but I think you can use the sliced ones and not have a problem. Give it a try and let me know! They'll still taste good!
ReplyDeleteI'll go with the chopped almonds. They look great in the cookie. Now one more silly question, (I hope), and I'll leave you be; when shaping the log, is it shaped like a traditional biscotti? The cookies don't look as though they came from a round log.
ReplyDeleteSorry to be such a bother. Thanks so much!
Anonymous - yes they are shaped like biscotti. You can fit 2 on one pan. I roll a piece of foil down the middle so they don't hit each other.
ReplyDeleteYou are not a bother at all. I'm happy to answer any and all questions.
Gorgeous photos! They sucked me right in. I love almond, so these look very worthy of my ingredients. I am so going to make these...since I love almond so much, I just might have to add a little extra almond extract. I can hardly wait to bite into one with a fresh cup of coffee.
ReplyDeleteThanks.
do you ever double bake?
ReplyDeletedo you ever double bake?
ReplyDeleteNo double baking required with these. I think they would get too hard.
ReplyDelete