HADJI BADA

Hadji Bada (Iraqi Almond Cookies)

Ingredients

• 2 cups fine almond flour

• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

• ½ teaspoon kosher salt

• 2 large egg whites

• 1 cup (120 g) sugar

• 1 tablespoon rose water (plus more for rolling)

• Whole raw almonds

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with parchment paper.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the almond flour, cinnamon, and salt.

In a large bowl, whisk the egg whites, sugar, and rose water until the mixture becomes slightly foamy.

Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until a smooth dough forms.

Place a small amount of rose water in a bowl. Lightly wet your hands to prevent sticking, then roll the dough into small balls.

Arrange the dough balls on the prepared baking tray.

Gently press a whole almond into the center of each cookie.

Bake for about 15 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly golden.