not your bubbie's mandel bread
This recipe was handed down to me and I've made a few changes to make it my own. It is great with the chocolate chips (as described) however, in addition to chips, I've also been known to add a teaspoon or 2 of ancho chili powder or cayenne pepper (to taste of course) for a little added zip! What a combination chocolate and hot peppers are, the Aztecs were doing this years ago. Another great combo is almond slivers and cranberries but tree nut allergies in our house don't allow me to make that one very often~B'Shalom from my kitchen to yours.
Blue Ribbon Recipe
Mandel bread (also known as mandelbrot) is similar to a biscotti but a little sweeter. This is a really simple and straightforward mandel bread recipe. Filled with chocolate chips and a hint of cinnamon flavor, the cookie is superb for dipping into hot chocolate, coffee or tea. But, they're just as yummy on their own. Traditionally, mandel bread is a little softer than biscotti. If you want it crunchier, we'd recommend cooking them for 10-12 minutes for the second baking.
Ingredients
- 2 sticks unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 3 - large eggs
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 package chocolate chips
- - cinnamon, mixed with sugar for dusting
- - optional: dash of chili powder or cayenne pepper
How To Make not your bubbie's mandel bread
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Step 1Preheat oven to 350. Line a half sheet pan (or large cookie sheet) with parchment paper. -
Step 2In a mixer, cream together butter and sugar until fluffy.
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Step 3Add eggs one at a time making sure they get incorporated well.
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Step 4Add vanilla and continue to cream.
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Step 5Stop the mixer and scrape down the sides.
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Step 6Add 1 cup of the flour along with the baking powder and salt (here is where you would add chili powder if you want a kick). Continue to mix.
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Step 7Add the remaining 2 cups of flour one at a time to keep the batter light.
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Step 8Finally, add the chocolate chips.
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Step 9Mix until just combined.
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Step 10Dust your work space with flour and divide dough into 3 equal size balls.
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Step 11One at a time, roll the balls into long loaves and place onto cookie sheet.
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Step 12Slightly flatten each loaf until it is the desired shape of the cookies you'd like.
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Step 13Dust each loaf with cinnamon sugar and bake for 20 minutes.
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Step 14At the end of 20 minutes, take them from the oven and slice each loaf into 1/2" pieces.
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Step 15Lie them on their side back on the cookie sheet.
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Step 16Dust again with cinnamon sugar and put them back in the oven until lightly crisp (about 6-7 minutes).
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Step 17Cool slightly. Enjoy with coffee, tea, milk, or whatever you like.
- Last Step: Don't forget to share! Post a picture of your finished recipe here and on your favorite social network. Don't forget to tag Just A Pinch and include #justapinchrecipes!
