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Ina Garten Mandel Bread Recipe

Ina Garten Mandel Bread

Ina Garten’s Mandel Bread is a traditional Jewish cookie made with a simple dough, often flavored with almonds, chocolate chips, or dried fruits. It’s baked twice to achieve its signature crispy texture, making it perfect for dipping into hot beverages.

Ingredients

  • All-purpose flour: 2 cups.
  • Baking powder: 1 teaspoon.
  • Salt: 1/4 teaspoon.
  • Granulated sugar: 3/4 cup.
  • Eggs: 2 large.
  • Vegetable oil: 1/2 cup.
  • Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon.
  • Almond extract: 1/2 teaspoon.
  • Slivered almonds: 1/2 cup.
  • Chocolate chips or raisins (optional): 1/2 cup.
  • Ground cinnamon: 1 teaspoon.
  • Sugar for topping: 2 tablespoons, mixed with 1 teaspoon of cinnamon.

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix the dry ingredients

  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.

Step 3: Combine the wet ingredients

  • In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs and sugar until light and frothy. Add the oil, vanilla extract, and almond extract, mixing until well combined.

Step 4: Form the dough

  • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until a dough forms. Fold in the slivered almonds and optional mix-ins like chocolate chips or raisins.

Step 5: Shape the logs

  • Divide the dough in half and shape each portion into a log about 2 inches wide and 12 inches long. Place the logs on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between them.

Step 6: Bake the logs

  • Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the logs are golden and set. Remove from the oven and let them cool for 10 minutes.

Step 7: Slice and bake again

  • Reduce the oven temperature to 325°F (160°C).
  • Using a sharp knife, slice the logs into 1/2-inch thick pieces. Lay the slices cut-side down on the baking sheet.
  • Bake for an additional 10 minutes, then flip and bake for another 10 minutes until crisp.

Step 8: Cool and serve

  • Let the mandel bread cool completely on a wire rack. Sprinkle with the cinnamon-sugar topping before serving.