Imagine biting into a delicate, golden pastry that whispers of sunny French orchards and sophisticated bakery magic. These Orange Almond Pastries are not just a dessert; they're a culinary escape that transforms your ordinary afternoon into a gourmet experience. With a perfect balance of zesty orange, nutty almond, and buttery softness, these lite pastries promise to transport your taste buds to the charming streets of Paris - all without breaking your calorie bank!
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 55 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 12 pastries
Ingredients
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine softened butter and granulated sugar. Cream together using an electric mixer until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, approximately 2-3 minutes.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Beat until completely incorporated and smooth.
- In a separate bowl, sift together almond flour, all-purpose flour, and orange zest to ensure even distribution and remove any lumps.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until a soft, cohesive dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
- Cover the dough and refrigerate for 15 minutes to allow it to firm up and make handling easier.
- Remove the dough from the refrigerator and roll it out on a lightly floured surface to approximately 1/4 inch thickness.
- Using a round cookie cutter or glass, cut out 12 uniform pastry circles and transfer them to the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown and the pastries are set.
- Remove from the oven and let the pastries cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Optional: Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with a light orange glaze before serving.
Tips
- Ensure your butter is truly softened but not melted for the perfect creamy texture.
- Sifting your dry ingredients prevents lumps and creates a smoother dough.
- Chilling the dough for 15 minutes isn't just a step - it's the secret to easier handling and better pastry structure.
- Use a precise cookie cutter for uniform pastries that look professionally made.
- Watch your baking time carefully; golden brown edges are your indicator of perfectly baked pastries.
- For an extra touch of elegance, consider a light dusting of powdered sugar or a delicate orange glaze.
- These pastries are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for 2-3 days.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 9g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 25mg
