Jan Hagels, One of Our Favorite Christmas Cookies

   Every Christmas my sister-in-law brings jan hagels to our family gathering.   They are a very rich, Dutch Christmas cookie. They are pronounced "yon hah-gles" but living in northeast Texas, we call them "yon hay-gles". :)  This year, I took them to a Christmas treat exchange and thought some of you might enjoy the recipe.
   You will need these ingredients:

1 cup of softened butter or margarine
1 cup of sugar
1 egg, separated
1 tsp. almond extract
2 cups of flour
1/2 cup toasted, sliced almonds
1 tbsp. sugar
1/4 tsp. cinnamon

Step 1: Beat butter and sugar until fluffy and light in a large bowl with electric mixer.  Add egg
yolk and almond extract, blending thoroughly.

Step 2:  Stir in flour, a little at a time.

Step 3:  Place the almonds on an ungreased cookie sheet and toast in a 350 degree for 10 minutes.  This brings out the flavor in the almonds.

Step 4:  While the almonds are toasting, turn the dough out onto an ungreased, 15 x 10 x 1 jelly roll pan and using your fingers, spread it evenly to the edges of pan.  Then use the spatula to smooth it out.

Step 5:  Beat egg white until foamy white and then spread evenly over the unbaked cookie dough.

Step 6:  Spread the nuts on top of the egg white, then combine the tablespoon of sugar and the cinnamon and sprinkle over the nuts.

Step 7:  Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes or until lightly browned.  Remove from oven; let cool in pan for 10 minutes. 

Step 8:  Cut into 6 lengthwise strips, then into diagonal cuts to form diamond shapes.

Step 9:  Cool thoroughly in pan, then remove carefully with a metal spatula.  Store in an airtight container.

Yum-m-m!  Don't they look great?  Enjoy!!