Cookie Swap: Finnish Cookie Sticks

All Recipes is having a cookie countdown and a couple of days ago they posted this recipe from MISS_MARSH for Finnish Cookie Sticks. Now, I haven't tried this recipe yet. I am baking cookies with my mom next week and plan on trying these, but here is why they have to be good!

1 - Almonds. I sort of *heart* almonds. Any nut really, but especially almonds. The only thing that makes almonds MORE perfect is dark chocolate. And I am wondering if these cookies could be dipped in it!

2 - They are Finnish. Now I really can't say that I have ever tried anything Finnish, but Finnish is really fun to say. I don't know why Finnish is more fun to say then plain old finish, but it is. Try it. Finnish. Finnish. Finnish! (remind me to tell you the story of sushi sushi sushi some time.)

3 - You get to use your hands. What kid (and adult) doesn't love using their hands in the kitchen! Okay, I actually know a lot of people that don't like using their hands...but I do!



What you need:

1 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup white sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon almond extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 eggs, beaten
1/2 cup white sugar
1 1/2 cups finely chopped almonds

What you do:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F

In a medium bowl, cream together the butter and 1/2 cup sugar until smooth. Stir in 1 egg and almond extract. Combine the salt and flour; stir into the sugar mixture with your hands until a smooth dough forms. Roll dough into log shaped pieces about 1/2 inch thick and 2 to 3 inches long. Dip each piece in the beaten eggs, then in remaining 1/2 cup sugar and then roll them in almonds. Place them 1 inch apart onto ungreased cookie sheets.

Bake for 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven. Allow cookies to cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely.