Chewy almond macaroon biscuits

Method

• step 1

  Heat the oven to 180C/160C fan/gas 4. Line a large baking sheet with baking parchment. Put the ground almonds and sugar in a large mixing bowl and mix to combine.

• step 2

  In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until foamy, then add to the almond and sugar mixture. Stir well – it will form a slightly sticky mixture but should hold its shape.

• step 3

  Wet your hands lightly and roll a heaped teaspoon of the mixture into a ball between your palms – it should be about 4cm in diameter. Put on the tray and flatten slightly with wet fingers to a thick disc, leaving at least 3cm between each biscuit. Press a blanched almond into each one, if you like.

• step 4

  Bake for 18-20 mins until just starting to turn golden around the edges, then remove from the oven and leave to cool on a wire rack. You want them to have a chewy, soft centre and the darker they get the harder the middle will be.

• step 5

  To make cinnamon balls, add the cinnamon to the almonds and sugar before you add the egg white. When shaping, leave them as balls. Bake for 18-20 mins – you want them to stay soft in the centre. While they are still warm, put them gently in a bowl of icing sugar and turn to coat. Leave until completely cooled.