Gluten-Free Kourambiethes

Ingredients:

2 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar, plus extra for dusting
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup blanched almonds, finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
Pinch of salt
Optional: Rosewater or orange blossom water, for flavor
Additional whole blanched almonds, for decorating

Instructions:

Preheat the Oven:

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

Prepare the Dough:

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.

Add Dry Ingredients:

Gradually add the gluten-free all-purpose flour, finely chopped blanched almonds, baking powder, and a pinch of salt to the butter-sugar mixture.

Add the vanilla extract (and optional rosewater or orange blossom water if desired).

Mix the Dough:

Mix the ingredients until a soft dough forms. Do not overmix.

Shape the Cookies:

Take small portions of the dough and shape them into round or crescent-shaped cookies. You can use your hands to shape them or use a cookie cutter for consistent shapes.

Add Almonds:

Press a whole blanched almond gently onto the top of each cookie for decoration.

Bake:

Place the shaped cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes or until the cookies are lightly golden on the bottom.

Cool and Dust:

Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool slightly on the baking sheet. They will be delicate when hot.

Dust with Powdered Sugar:

While the cookies are still warm, gently dust them with powdered sugar. The sugar will adhere to the cookies and create a lovely snowy appearance.

Serve and Enjoy:

Once the cookies have cooled completely, transfer them to a serving platter.

Enjoy these Gluten-Free Kourambiethes, a classic Greek treat, with their delicate almond flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Feel free to adjust the level of sweetness by adding more or less powdered sugar according to your preference. These gluten-free Kourambiethes capture the essence of the traditional recipe while catering to dietary needs.