Alpha Rank (Almond Drop Cookies)
These traditional Parsi drop cookies, historically titled 'Alpha Rank', offer a delightful crunch and buttery richness. Made with a classic dough of wheat flour, fresh butter, and sugar, they are studded with generous amounts of thinly sliced almonds for texture and nutty flavor. Baked to a golden 'almond' color, these simple yet elegant biscuits are perfect for dipping into afternoon tea or enjoying as a light sweet snack.
Ingredients
- 1/2 pound Wheat flour (All-purpose flour) (Originally 'First number wheat flour, 1/2 ratal'. Approx 2 cups.)
- 1/4 pound Powdered sugar (Originally 'crushed sugar, 1/4 seer'. Approx 1/2 cup + 1 tablespoon.)
- 1/4 pound Butter (Originally 'fresh butter, 1/4 ratal'. Equal to 1 stick or 1/2 cup.)
- 2 ounces Almonds (Originally '5 tolas'. Approx 1/2 cup sliced.)
- 1 large Egg (Originally '1 fresh egg'.)
- 1 tablespoon Butter (for greasing) (Quantity estimated for greasing trays.)
Instructions
- 1Peel the almonds and cut them into fine slices.
- 2Cream the butter until soft. Add the sugar, egg, and flour, mixing well until the mixture becomes uniform. Finally, fold in the sliced almonds.
- 3Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease baking sheets or saucers with the extra butter. Using a spoon, drop small portions of the mixture onto the greased surface, leaving space between each as they will spread. Bake in the moderate oven until they turn a golden almond color.