Almond Biscuit Delight with Chocolate and Coconut

Ingredients

For the Biscuit Base:

• 150 g of butter (about 1 cup)
• 80 g of powdered sugar (2/3 cup)
• 2 tbsp of oil (vegetable or any neutral oil)
• 1 egg
• 8 g of vanilla sugar (or 1 tsp vanilla extract)
• Pinch of salt
• Pinch of baking powder
• 300 g of flour (about 2 ½ cups)

For the Filling:

• 1 cup ground roasted almonds
• 2 cups crushed biscuits (any plain biscuits, like graham crackers or digestive biscuits)
• Chocolate cream (Nutella or any chocolate spread of choice)

For Topping:

• Chocolate (melted or grated, for drizzling or covering)
• Peach jam (for spreading)
• Roasted grated coconut (for sprinkling)

Baking Instructions:

• Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 25 minutes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Biscuit Dough

1. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat 150 g of butter and 80 g of powdered sugar until light and fluffy. You can use an electric mixer for better results.
2. Add Wet Ingredients: Add 2 tbsp of oil, 1 egg, and 8 g of vanilla sugar (or vanilla extract) to the butter-sugar mixture. Mix until everything is well combined.
3. Add Dry Ingredients: Sift in 300 g of flour, a pinch of salt, and a pinch of baking powder. Gradually fold in the dry ingredients, forming a soft dough.
4. Rest the Dough: Let the dough rest in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes to firm up. This will make it easier to shape.

Step 2: Shape and Bake the Biscuits

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Form the Biscuits: Roll the dough into small balls, flatten them slightly, and place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
3. Bake: Bake the biscuits in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes, or until they turn a light golden brown. Remove them from the oven and let them cool completely.

Step 3: Prepare the Filling

1. Grind the Almonds: In a food processor, grind 1 cup of roasted almonds until finely ground.
2. Crush the Biscuits: Crush 2 cups of plain biscuits (like graham crackers or digestive biscuits) into fine crumbs. You can use a rolling pin or food processor for this step.
3. Mix the Filling: In a bowl, combine the ground almonds, crushed biscuits, and a generous amount of chocolate cream (Nutella or any chocolate spread) until it forms a thick, cohesive mixture. This will be the filling for the biscuits.

Step 4: Assemble the Cookies

1. Sandwich the Cookies: Take two baked biscuits and sandwich them together using the almond and chocolate filling. Repeat until all biscuits are filled.
2. Add a Layer of Peach Jam: Spread a small amount of peach jam on top of each sandwiched biscuit.

Step 5: Finish with Chocolate and Coconut

1. Melt the Chocolate: In a double boiler or microwave, melt the chocolate (about 100-150 grams), stirring until smooth.
2. Coat or Drizzle: Either dip the top of each biscuit sandwich in the melted chocolate or drizzle the chocolate over the tops.
3. Sprinkle with Coconut: While the chocolate is still warm, sprinkle roasted grated coconut over the top for a crunchy and aromatic finish.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

• Allow the chocolate to set before serving. You can speed up the process by placing the cookies in the refrigerator for about 10-15 minutes.

Cooking Tips

1. Use Room-Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that the butter and egg are at room temperature to create a smoother, well-combined dough.
2. Customize the Nuts: You can swap the almonds with other nuts like hazelnuts or walnuts, depending on your preference.
3. Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the amount of sugar in the dough or filling. The chocolate and jam provide plenty of sweetness, so adjust according to taste.
4. Filling Variations: For a different twist, replace the chocolate cream filling with a fruit-based filling or even a combination of both.

Storage

• At Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4-5 days.
• In the Refrigerator: If you want the cookies to last longer, refrigerate them for up to 1 week. Bring them to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
• Freezing: You can freeze the filled and coated cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator before enjoying.

Nutritional Facts (Per Cookie)

• Calories: 280 kcal
• Fat: 16 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Sugar: 15 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Sodium: 100 mg

FAQs

1. Can I use gluten-free flour for this recipe?

• Yes, you can substitute the regular flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure the consistency of the dough remains the same by adjusting the liquid content if necessary.

2. What can I use instead of peach jam?

• You can substitute peach jam with apricot, raspberry, or any fruit preserve that complements the chocolate and almond flavors.

3. Can I use store-bought ground almonds?

• Yes, store-bought ground almonds work perfectly for this recipe. Roasting them slightly before use can enhance their flavor.

4. How can I make the cookies crispier?

• For crispier cookies, extend the baking time by 5 minutes. Ensure they are fully cooled before filling, as the filling may soften the cookies if added when warm.

5. Can I replace chocolate cream with something else?

• If you’re not a fan of chocolate cream, you can use caramel, peanut butter, or a fruit-flavored spread as the filling.

Conclusion

These Almond Biscuit Delights are a perfect blend of textures and flavors, combining buttery biscuits, creamy chocolate, and crunchy coconut. Whether you’re serving them for a festive occasion or simply indulging in a sweet treat, this recipe is sure to satisfy. The filling possibilities are endless, allowing you to customize this dessert to your taste. Give it a try, and enjoy the rich, nutty, and chocolaty goodness with every bite!