Cookie Swap: Phefferneuse Snowmen

I have never had Phefferneuse, but it doesn't matter if it is disgusting. This snowman idea from Matthew Mead is too cute to pass up!


First the cookie recipe (that did not come from Mathew)

What you need:
3 cups all purpose white flour
1/4 tsp baking powder
pinch salt
pinch white pepper (this may sound odd, but please don't leave it out)
1 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground cloves
pinch ground cardamom
1/2 cup chopped candied lemon peel (optional but very nice)
1/2 sliced almonds (or almond flour is easier if you can get it)
3 large eggs
1 cup powdered sugar
1 apple slice (not in the recipe, but used later)
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup butter (softened)

What you do:

Grind the almonds to a powder (coffee grinder or blender work).

In a medium bowl whisk together the flour, spices, baking powder, and salt.

In a mixing bowl beat the butter and the granulated sugar. Add eggs, lemon peel, and almond powder and blend. Gradually add flour and incorporate. Refrigerate for one hour or more. Dough may be dry and even a little crumbly.

Roll out dough onto floured surface to 1/4 inch thick. Cut out with round cookie cutters.

Bake for 15 minutes in a pre-heated 350 degree oven. Remove from cookie sheet and let cool completely on a wire rack. When cookies are completely cooled put them in a plastic ziplock with the powered sugar and shake to coat.

Now back to the snowmen! Draw snowman faces on them with food markers (they use food coloring) and then set them out on a plate of nonpareils.