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Hadji Bada from Jake Cohen

Chewy Iraqi Almond Cookie (Hadji Bada)

Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes

Servings

24 Servings

Ingredients

  • 2 cups finely ground almond flour
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  •  2 large egg whites
  • 1 cup 200g sugar
  • 1 tablespoon rose water plus more for rolling 
  • 24 whole raw almonds

Instructions

  • 1 Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line two half sheet pans with parchment paper. 
  • 2 In a medium bowl, whisk together the almond flour, cinnamon, and salt to combine. 
  • 3 In a large bowl, whisk the egg whites, sugar, and rose water until foamy. (Note: You’re not making a meringue.) Stir in the almond flour mixture until a smooth dough forms. 
  • 4 Fill a small bowl with room-temperature water and add a few drops of rose water, then use this water to wet your hands to prevent sticking as you roll the dough. Roll the dough into tablespoon-size balls and place them on the prepared sheet pans, spacing them 2 inches apart and placing 12 balls on each pan. Push an almond into the center of each ball of dough. 
  • 5 Bake, rotating the pans halfway through, for about 15 minutes, until the cookies have spread out and their edges are golden. Let cool completely on the pans, then serve.