Apricot Almond Cookies

These cookies are so fabulous - sweet, chewy, chunky, but not too many flavors. They have become one of my friend Shanna's regulars, and you know it takes a lot to become a regular, in anyone's kitchen, and especially Shanna's. When you need something that's not too heavy, not too rich, but still sweet and satisfying, this is it!
Apricot-Nut Cookies with Almond Icing
Cookies:
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature
1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
1 large egg
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup dried apricots, coarsely chopped
1/4 cup slivered almonds, toasted
2 tablespoons pine nuts, toasted
-OR- for chunkier cookies, use chopped almonds instead of sliced and pine nuts

Icing:
1 3/4 cups confectioners' sugar
5 to 7 tablespoons almond flavored liqueur OR a little water and almond extract, to achieve spreading consistency

1. For the Cookies: In a large bowl, beat the butter, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Beat in the egg. Stir in the flour until just blended. Mix in the apricots, almonds, and pine nuts.

2. Transfer the dough to a sheet of plastic wrap and shape into a log, about 12-inches long and 1 1/2-inches in diameter. Wrap the dough in the plastic and refrigerate for 2 hours.

3. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line 2 heavy baking sheets with parchment paper.

4. Cut the dough log crosswise into 1/4 to 1/2 inch-thick slices. Transfer the cookies to the prepared baking sheets, spacing evenly apart. Bake until the cookies are golden around the edges, about 15 minutes*. Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely before icing.*The longer they cook, the crunchier they will be. Slightly undercook for a soft, chewy cookie.

5. For the Icing: Place the confectioners' sugar in a medium mixing bowl. Gradually whisk in the almond flavor (and water, if using) until the mixture is of drizzling consistency.

6. Place the wire rack over a baking sheet. Using a spoon or fork, drizzle the cookies with the icing, allowing any excess icing to drip onto the baking sheet. Allow the icing to set before serving, about 30 minutes.

Recipe adapted from Giada De Laurentiis, 2008

Cookies made by Shanna S.
Click here for printable recipe