Elevate Your Coffee Ritual with Finnish Sticks Shortbread Cookies

Baking is more than a hobby—it’s a way to bring joy and flavor to everyday moments. One of my cherished rituals is enjoying a homemade cookie with my Monday 10 a.m. coffee. Among my favorite treats is the "Finnish Sticks" shortbread cookie, a classic delight infused with the subtle essence of bitter almond and topped with a crunchy blend of pearl sugar and chopped almonds. This recipe strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and indulgence, making it an irresistible choice for bakers of all skill levels.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Unique Flavors: The bitter almond essence offers a refined, aromatic twist to traditional shortbread.
• Perfect Texture: A tender, buttery crumb meets a satisfyingly crisp topping for a perfect bite every time.
• Shortcut-Friendly: Whether you're short on time or prefer minimal effort, this adaptable recipe fits your needs.
  
  

Ingredients Highlight

• Blanched Almonds or Almond Flour: Adds a delicate nutty flavor to the dough.
• Bitter Almond Oil: A little goes a long way in delivering depth and character.
• Pearl Sugar: Provides a beautiful crunch and visual appeal.

Pro Tips for the Best Cookies

1. Rest the Dough: Chilling the dough enhances its flavor and texture.
2. Even Shaping: For uniform baking, roll the dough into evenly sized logs.
3. Optional Tweaks: Skip the resting step or substitute ingredients like regular sugar for pearl sugar if you're in a pinch.

Let's dive into the joy of baking with my shortcut-friendly recipe:

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 60g blanched and ground almonds (or almond flour)
• 1ml bitter almond oil (or 3 whole bitter almonds)
• 120g flour
• 45g sugar
• 100g butter
• Pinch of salt

For the Topping:

• 30g chopped almonds (blanched if preferred)
• 1 egg white
• 2 tbsp pearl sugar

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the almonds (or almond oil), flour, sugar, and a pinch of salt.
3. Add the butter in pieces and work the ingredients into a dough. Allow the dough to rest in the fridge for 30 minutes.
4. Split the dough into four pieces and shape them into 12-inch rolls. Place the rolls on a tray lined with parchment paper.
5. Whisk the egg white and generously cover the rolls. Sprinkle the rolls with a mixture of pearl sugar and chopped almonds.
6. Cut the rolls into 1.5-inch cookies and bake in the preheated oven for 12 minutes.
7. Allow the cookies to cool on a rack.

Note: I've occasionally skipped the almonds in the dough and skipped the dough-resting step without compromising the outcome. Feel free to adapt based on your preferences. If the dough seems a bit dry, add a teaspoon of water at a time until it comes together.

This "Finnish Sticks" recipe is a testament to the joy of baking, and it's my pleasure to share it with you. So, let's bake and savor the simple pleasures that come with every delicious bite!