Today we bring you a very special recipe for this festive season: delicious Christmas polvorones. A polvorón is a small shortbread made with flour, butter, and sugar. It has become a traditional Christmas pastry in Spain. Polvorones are very simple and quick to make, allowing the whole family to enjoy these festive treats throughout the holidays.
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Spread the flour evenly in an oven-safe dish and bake it for 5 minutes at 170°C (340°F). Stir the flour well and bake it for another 5 minutes. Repeat this process until the flour is evenly golden in color.
Toast the chopped almonds using the same method as the flour. Be careful not to burn them.
Let the toasted flour and almonds cool completely before mixing them with the other ingredients.
Add the powdered sugar, cinnamon, and softened butter to the cooled flour and almonds. Mix everything thoroughly.
Transfer the mixture to your kitchen countertop and knead it for 4 to 5 minutes until the dough is smooth and well combined.
Roll out the dough with a rolling pin to a thickness of 1 centimeter (about 0.4 inches). Use a glass or cookie cutter to cut out round shapes.
Place the cut-out dough pieces on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Sprinkle sesame seeds or chopped nuts on top if desired.
Bake the polvorones in the oven at 180°C to 200°C (355°F to 390°F) with the heat source only from the top for approximately 20 minutes, until the tops are golden brown.
Ensure the flour and almonds are completely cool before mixing to avoid melting the butter prematurely.
Use a cookie cutter for uniform shapes and sizes.
Sprinkle powdered sugar on the polvorones after baking for a festive touch.
Can I use a different type of flour?
Wheat flour is traditional for polvorones, but you can experiment with almond or gluten-free flour for dietary needs.
How do I prevent the almonds from burning?
Toast the almonds at a low temperature and stir them frequently to ensure even cooking.
Can I make polvorones ahead of time?
Yes, polvorones can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week.
What can I use instead of butter?
You can use margarine or a plant-based butter substitute for a dairy-free version.
Why is the flour toasted?
Toasting the flour enhances its flavor and gives the polvorones their unique texture.
