Each time my Bon Appétit magazine arrives, I turn the pages looking for recipes I may want to try. Upon located the recipes that tickle my taste buds, I ripe them out and place them on a corkboard I have in my kitchen.

In BA’s recent Thanksgiving issue, they shared a cookie recipe that happened to look simple and delicious, but also involved ingredients I had in my kitchen. So I went to work last weekend with a sweet and slightly savory finishing flavor as the objective. I made a few changes by choosing my preferred type of chocolate (I love dark, they recommended bittersweet – so choose what you most enjoy), and you can always pick up roasted unsalted almonds at the grocery so you can eliminate one step.

Upon first glance of the instructions of how to make the praline, I was skeptical at the ease of the recipe. But as I proceeded through the steps, it turned out to be quite simple. And the praline paste is the ingredient that makes the flavor of the cookie absolutely exceptional. Go ahead and taste it once it is all processed – delicious!

Lovely accompaniments with a cup of tea, adults and children will enjoy these simple bites to tide them over before they grab their much anticipated slice of pie (if they’re like me) after the turkey has been enjoyed. As well, they are great for travel if you are a guest and tasked to bring a sweet, but decadent dessert.

Chocolate Almond Praline Cookies

Simply Luxurious

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Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 52 minutes mins

Servings 20 cookies

Ingredients

  

• 3/4 cup raw almonds skin on
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 5 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/3 cup light brown sugar packed
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup dark chocolate purchase the best quality you can find (60% or higher cacoa)
• flaky sea salt

Instructions

 

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Spread almonds on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Roast for 6-8 minutes, tossing half way through their total time. Let cool. Place them into a tight group, so they are on top of and as close together as possible.
• While the almonds are cooling, make your praline. Cook granulated sugar in a small sauce pan over medium heat. Do not disturb. Wait until it begins to liquify and turn golden brown around the edges. Using a rubber spatula to incorporate any unliquified sugar into the liquified. Stirring until it becomes a light brown or dark amber color. This will take about 6-8 minutes. Then pour over the top of your almonds (which are on your parchment paper). Set aside and let cool.
• Take out a food processor. Break up the almond praline into rough pieces and place in the food processor. Process for about 4 minutes until you have an almond paste. You will need to scrape down the sides from time to time.
• Cook butter in a medium skillet over medium heat until it foams and begins to brown (about five minutes). Stir occasionally. Let cool until just warm, not hot.
• In a separate bowl, combine dry ingredients: flour, kosher salt and baking soda.
• Using an electric mixer (stand or hand), mix browned butter, praline paste and brown sugar until smooth - about two minutes at medium/high speed.
• Reduce the speed of the mixer and add egg yolk and vanilla. Beat until just combined. Keep speed reduced and gradually add in dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
• Using a wooden spoon, stir in the chopped chocolate.
  
• On a piece of parchment paper, pour out the cooking dough onto the parchment. Using hands roll out into a long roll about 1 3/4 inches in diameter. Roll up into the parchment, securing the ends with kitchen ties or simply twist the paper and fold under.
  
• Chill in the refrigerator for about two hours.
• Heat the oven to 350 degrees. Slice the dough into 1 1/4 inch slices and place them on a parchment lined baking sheet. Sprinkle sea salt on top (this is truly the flavor secret that brings out all of the other flavors). Bake for about 9-10 minutes or until the edges are slightly dark and firm.
• MAKE IN ADVANCE: Praline paste can be made 1 week ahead; store airtight at room temperature. Dough can be made 3 days ahead; wrap in plastic and keep chilled, or freeze up to 1 month.

~View more TSLL Dessert Recipes here