Almond Butter Balls

I think we have to talk about toasted nuts. Sometimes, when I have the time and frame of mind, I spend a lot of time toasting, skinning and stashing nuts in my pantry. All types, but mainly almonds and walnuts which I toast lightly, and hazelnuts which, in my opinion, are almost useless if they´re not toasted. Have you ever tried an un-toasted, skin-on hazelnut? Yeah, not good. If in doubt, this hazelnut loaf will make it clear.

Toasting, in general, opens flavors. Such is the case with spices and seeds that are toasted in a skillet before going into a curry or something similar. I wouldn´t think of using sesame seeds in a salad without toasting them first. The same goes with the almonds in this recipe. I believe they make all the difference. Almost to the point of saying that it´s almost a different recipe without them. It´s fine to leave the skin on as long as you toast them.

These little sugar coated butter balls are the ultimate melt-in-your-mouth holiday cookie. Who doesn´t need a recipe for easy gifts? You can wrap them and give them as hostess´ gifts, or take them to whatever party you´re going where you don´t want to arrive empty handed. They are a crowd pleaser. Great with coffee, mulled wine or as an after dinner sweet bite.

Every year I decide to make homemade gifts to give to friends, and also to those working with me. Every year I fail, except for that one occasion years ago when I gave them boxes of oatmeal and chocolate cookies. They still remind me again every year, just in case I decide to honor my decision. Maybe this will be the year. And this is certainly a fitting recipe.

It´s similar to shortbread, so I can freeze it, giving me little space for blaming the hectic last months of the year for not following through with my gift-giving.

Today I´m joining a group that will bake and share twelve different Christmas recipes of our choosing. They will be treats involving some kind of sweet. It´s aptly called 12 Weeks of Christmas Treats, because hey, that´s how close the most important holiday of the year is. The idea comes from Brenda and you can find all the details in her wonderful blog.

So, if you´re like me, you will have so many recipes for homemade baked ideas, that there will be no excuse to buy last-minute uninteresting gifts just because you have to. Or you can join the party and excuses will be unacceptable, because your freezer will be already stocked with sweet treats.

Before going into the oven

ALMOND BUTTER BALLS 
barely adapted from Kathleen´s Bake Shop Cookbook, by Kathleen King

1 cup butter, at room tº 

4 Tbs confectioners´ sugar

½ teaspoon almond extract

2 cups all purpose flour

¾ cup ground toasted almonds

Extra confectioners´ sugar, for coating

In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until creamy and smooth. Add almond extract and beat well.

Add flour, 1 cup at a time and then the almonds. Mix just until smooth.

Gather into a ball, wrap in plastic and refrigerate at least 3 hours.

Preheat oven to 350º. Line a baking tray with parchment paper.

Roll portions of cold dough between your palms to form balls. Place 1-inch apart on lined baking tray.

Bake for 20 to 30 minutes, until they are a bit golden and cracked.

Let cool on a wire rack. Roll in some extra confectioners´ sugar to coat.

These cookies freeze well unbaked. When you need them, just line them up on a parchment-lined or greased baking tray, thaw, and bake.

Yields 3 to 4 dozens, depending on the size