Almond & Orange Cookies with Warming Spices
As the seasons change and the days turn cooler, a little home baking can feel especially satisfying. These buttery almond cookies combine honey, bright orange zest and the warming flavours of Cinnamon, Clove and Ginger Extracts. A comforting treat to enjoy with your favourite cuppa and a quiet moment to yourself.
For four to share over several days!
Makes: approximately 35–40 cookies
Prep: 20 minutes, plus 30 minutes chilling
Bake: 12–15 minutes per tray
Ingredients
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500g plain flour
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250g unsalted butter, softened
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125g caster sugar
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125g honey
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75g almonds, finely chopped
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Finely grated zest of 2 oranges
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¼ tsp Cinnamon Extract
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¼ tsp Clove Extract
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¼ tsp Ginger Extract
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1 tsp baking powder
Method
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Cream the butter and sugar in a large bowl until pale and creamy.
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Add the flavours. Mix in the honey, orange zest and all three spice extracts until evenly combined.
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Make the dough. Sift in the flour and baking powder, then stir in the chopped almonds. Mix gently until a dough forms. If it remains crumbly when pressed together, add cold water a teaspoon at a time, using only enough to bring it together.
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Chill for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 180°C / 160°C fan / gas mark 4 and line two baking trays with baking paper.
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Shape the cookies. Roll portions of approximately 30g into balls and flatten to around 1cm thick. Place on the trays with space between them. Bake in batches as needed.
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Bake for 12–15 minutes, until lightly golden around the edges. Check from 12 minutes, as honey can brown quickly.
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Leave to cool on the trays for 5–10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. The cookies will firm up as they cool.
A little seasonal comfort
Sweet honey, crunchy almonds and aromatic spices make these cookies especially inviting on cooler days. Enjoy one or two with a warm drink for a delicious, satisfying pause in your day.
Storage: Keep completely cooled cookies in an airtight container for up to five days.
