Almond Brittle Recipe An Italian Favorite Holiday Cookie Recipe (2024)

This almond brittle recipe is just one of the many Italian holiday cookie recipes that is preapred in Sardinia. Nut brittle cookies are authentic Italian cookies using two simple ingredients; sugar and almonds.

My Grandma's Favorite
Italian Holiday Cookie Recipe... Almond Brittle - Gattò

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Sharing with you one of my grandmas Italian holiday cookie recipes is a way of spreading our Sardinian traditions. I'm not quite sure what I love most about these Italian almond cookies; eating the cookie… or licking the leaves!

You see, this almond brittle recipe has a unique Sardinian twist. Each almond cookie is placed on a freshly picked lemon leaf. This original way to serve up these Italian cookies is not only used for a great presentation.

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The lemons leaves have just as much flavor as the fruit itself.

This almond brittle recipe uses only sugar and almonds, so it is only natural that after a few days the sugar will start to melt.

The lemons leaves are used to capture the melted caramel while at the same time it absorbs the genuine flavors from them leaf.

Now you see what I mean by licking the leaves!


Can you get hold of lemon leaves? Yes... I just can't wait for you to have a go at making this almond recipe and please... try licking the leaves and let me know what you think!

No lemon leaves... No Party!

Just kidding...

Even without lemon leaves, I'll show you how to use this nut brittle recipe that has the distinct lemon flavor!

I don't know about you, but I just love to see cookie recipes with pictures, the more the merrier. I just hope you do too, as I have put a picture of all the stages of this nut brittle recipe.

WARNING... BEFORE WE START! Carmelized sugar is very very hot, so please do be extra careful.

This almond brittle recipe is simple and easy. All you need is:

Utensils:

  • Non stick deep frying pan
  • Wooden spoon (no metal spoon as it will get too hot to handle)

Ingredients:

  • 250g granulated sugar

  • 125g toasted almonds (slivered almonds)

  • 1 Large Lemon (cut in half)

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The photo to the left are slivered almonds to help you buy the right cut of almonds for this recipe.

You can also buy them on Amazon.Com and will be able to see a larger image there too.

These almonds are normally not toasted, so you will have to toast them yourself.

An important thing you need to decide before you tackle this nut brittle recipe is where you are going to pour the very hot mixture of sugar and almonds.

1. A marble surface

Marble is the most ideal surface to work with. It is heat resistant and the hard surface makes the cutting of the nut brittle pretty easy.

Melt a little lard down and lightly brush the marble surface with the lard. This prevents the hot nut brittle from sticking to the marble.

2. A wood table-

Protect the surface of the table with a cotton table cloth and lay a large sheet of grease proof paper.

Using this method you will still be able to cut up the nut brittle into diamond shapes.

Just be careful as the almond brittle does not stick to the paper at all so you may find it slides about when you are trying to cut it.

3. Baking tray lined with grease proof paper –

If you are not too fussed about cutting up your almond brittle into little diamonds, this is the easiest method to use.

Be careful as the almond brittle mixture will heat up the baking tray. Leave to cool before you break it up.

Method:

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Place the granulated sugar into the frying pan

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Start to heat sugar on a high setting.

As soon as the sugar starts to melt, start to stir with a wooden spoon

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Once the sugar starts to turn a golden color, turn the heat down slightly.

It is amazing how quickly the sugar will burn so stir continuously

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Once all the sugar has turned to caramel add the toasted almonds.

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Stir until all the almonds are well covered with sugar

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Pour the nut brittle on to your chosen surface and spread with the wooden spoon

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Use the halved lemon to help you spread out the nut brittle thinly.

Don't be frightened to press down hard.

Rub the halved lemon all over the surface of the nut brittle for more flavor


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While the nut brittle is still hot and soft, with a heavy knife score the brittle into strips about two fingers wide.

Scoring helps to give a clean cut.

Keep cutting over the scored lines until they break away


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Take each strip and cut on an angle into small diamonds.

Careful as the nut brittle will be manageable but still hot.

The only way to cut nut brittle is while it is still hot


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It is practically impossible to cut all the nut brittle in to perfect diamonds, as you can see in the photo the edges will have a rough cut.

My suggestion is… you eat the edges and save the perfect diamond almond brittle for your guests!



So, there you have it my grandma's favorite Italian holiday cookie recipe!

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You can of course double the amounts, but if you are looking to cut up your almond brittle into diamonds, never do more than 1kg of almonds and 2kg of sugar, as the brittle sets before you have enough time to cut it all.

Brittle can be made with all sorts of nuts, just a couple of things to beware of.

Hope you enjoying your adventure with this almond brittle recipe as much as I enjoy making them, eating them and sharing this page with passionate baker's looking for authentic Italian cookies.

Looking for more Italian cookie recipes to bake and savor? Here you will a wonderful collection of Italian cakes and cookies which are from the Mediterranean Island of Sardinia.


Almond Brittle Recipe An Italian Favorite Holiday Cookie Recipe (18)


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Almond Brittle Recipe An Italian Favorite Holiday Cookie Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is the number 1 Christmas cookie? ›

Based on this data from General Mills, Peanut Butter Blossoms are the most popular Christmas cookie in the country; it's the most-visited cookie recipe in seven states, which means it's the most common favorite cookie in the U.S. That's a pretty high honor!

What is almond brittle made of? ›

Melt butter in a skillet over medium-high heat; add almonds, sugar, and syrup. Cook and stir the almonds until the mixture turns caramel in color, about 6 minutes. Spread the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet in a thin layer. Cool until the mixture hardens and break into pieces to serve.

What is the least favorite Christmas cookie? ›

On the naughty list of cookies, Americans gave the lowest win records to anise cookies, which only won 29% of its matchups.

What is the number one selling cookie in the world? ›

Oreo is the best-selling cookie in the world. It is now sold in over 100 countries. Oreo was first produced in 1912 by the National Biscuit Company, now known as Na-Bis-Co.

Which country made almond brittle? ›

The delicious almond brittle is a longtime favourite family treat and one of the most typical Christmas delicacies in Italy. Its origins date back to the 13th century. It is supposed to derive from the Arab cuisine, where it was made ​​with almonds, honey, sugar and spices.

What is the difference between almond brittle and toffee? ›

Brittles are typically composed mostly of sugar, while toffees contain a fair amount of butter and in some cases milk. This makes toffees fuller and richer in taste, while brittles are more purely sweet and sugary. Brittles are also much thinner than most toffees.

Is almond brittle healthy? ›

It's a wholesome snack that's packed with protein, fiber, and healthy fats, making it a great option for those who want to maintain a healthy lifestyle without sacrificing flavor.

What is the most popular cookie for Santa? ›

Chocolate Chip cookies

You can never go wrong with these classic, delicious cookies. Santa himself lists these as his favorites, and he prefers them soft and gooey with lots of chocolate chips. If you decide to leave these out for him, make sure there's a glass of cold milk nearby!

What is America's favorite holiday cookie? ›

Among those who can make a single choice, frosted sugar cookies lead the list (32%), with gingerbread (12%) and chocolate chip (11%) rounding out the top three. Snickerdoodles (6%) come in fourth place, followed by butter (4%), peanut butter (4%), and chocolate (4%) tying for fifth.

What is the #1 cookie in the United States? ›

1 Chocolate Chip Cookie (No Further Description Necessary)

America's favorite cookie and the one dubbed “the American cookie” is the Chocolate chip cookie.

What is the most popular Christmas candy? ›

According to America's Favorite Christmas Candy by State Report, a comprehensive study by research firm HubScore that delved into a survey of the top 20 favorite Christmas candies, Kit Kat ranked top in 13 states followed by a tie between Skittles and candy canes, both ranked top in six states.

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