Marzipan cookies are a delicious and festive treat that are perfect for any occasion. Made with ground almonds and sugar, these cookies have a soft and chewy texture and a rich almond flavor. In this article, we’ll explore the history of marzipan, how to make marzipan cookies, and some fun variations to try out.
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| Marzipan cookies |
History of Marzipan
Marzipan has been around for centuries and is believed to have originated in the Middle East. The sweet confection is made from ground almonds and sugar, and it was popularized in Europe during the Renaissance. Marzipan has since become a staple in many European countries, particularly during the holiday season.
Ingredients
To make marzipan cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 8 oz. almond paste
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg white
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp almond extract
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- Pinch of salt
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
Here’s how to make marzipan cookies:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F.
- In a large mixing bowl, break up the almond paste with a fork.
- Add the sugar, egg white, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Mix until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the almond paste mixture, mixing until well combined.
- Roll the dough into small balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Use a fork to press down on each ball, creating a criss-cross pattern.
- Bake the cookies for 12-15 minutes or until lightly golden.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Dust the cookies with powdered sugar before serving.
Fun Variations
If you want to switch things up, here are some fun variations to try:
Chocolate-Dipped Marzipan Cookies: Melt some chocolate in a double boiler and dip the cooled cookies in the chocolate. Let the cookies cool on a wire rack until the chocolate has hardened.
Lemon Marzipan Cookies: Add the zest of one lemon to the dough and substitute the almond extract with lemon juice.
Orange Marzipan Cookies: Add the zest of one orange to the dough and substitute the almond extract with orange juice.
Marzipan cookies are a classic treat that are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. With their rich almond flavor and chewy texture, they’re perfect for any occasion. Try out this recipe for yourself and get creative with some fun variations. Enjoy!
