For Fabio Trabocchi's Spanish-born wife, Maria, it isn't Christmas without polvorones, crumbly Spanish almond cookies traditionally made with pork fat. Trabocchi developed this all-butter version while he and Maria were living in London and unable to find the Spanish original. Chef Holiday Recipes Made Easy More Cookie Recipes
How to Make It
In the bowl of a standing electric mixer fitted with the paddle, beat the butter with the sugar, almond flour, all-purpose flour, zest, cinnamon, almond extract and a pinch of salt at moderately low speed until smooth. Transfer the dough to a work surface and divide it into thirds. Form each piece into a log; wrap the logs separately in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, until slightly firm.
Preheat the oven to 300°. Line 3 rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper. Cut each log crosswise into 20 pieces and roll into balls. Arrange the balls 2 inches apart on the baking sheets. Press an almond into each cookie. Bake for 45 minutes, rotating the pans twice, until the cookies are golden; let cool for 10 minutes, slide the parchment onto racks and let cool completely.
In a saucepan, cook the sugar in the water over moderate heat, stirring, until the sugar is dissolved. Raise the heat to moderately high and cook without stirring until a medium-amber caramel forms. Off the heat, carefully pour in the cream and stir until smooth. Season with salt and transfer to a heatproof pitcher. Serve with the cookies.