Kourabiedes: Greek Christmas Almond Cookies

INGREDIENTS:

• 300 gr butter

• 110 gr icing sugar

• 125 gr almonds, blanched

• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 600 gr all purpose flour

• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder

• 25 ml bourbon

• 170-200 gr icing sugar to dust the cookies

DIRECTIONS:

1. In a mixer, beat the butter and icing sugar very well (at least 20 minutes).

2. In the meantime heat the oven to 150c fan (160c conventional). Spread the almonds on a baking paper lined oven tray and roast them till fragrant and only just beginning to turn golden (8-10 minutes). When cool, chop them.

3. After at least 20 minutes, gradually add the vanilla, flour and baking powder to the butter mixture while beating on low speed. Add the almonds and bourbon and continue beating for about 10 minutes. Turn the oven up to 160c fan (170c conventional).

4. Shape the dough into balls. Place cookies on a tray lined with baking paper and bake for 18-20 minutes. They will have only just started to turn blond around the edges and on the bottom. Let them cool completely.

5. When the cookies are cold, smother and press them in the icing sugar.

6. Your Kourabiedes are ready.