My Bubby has been making mandel bread since well before I was born. She used to sneak these twice-baked cookies into the bottom of the popcorn grab bags she smuggled into movie theaters for me and my cousins. Those sweet bites hold so many cherished memories for me and always make me feel at home even when I am far away.
Recently, while she was visiting Israel, we finally tried making her famous mandel bread gluten-free, and to our surprise, it was a huge success. They we’re gobbled up at Shabbat dinner! These cookies are naturally parve, which makes them the perfect dessert for any occasion.
Truthfully, for me they’re more than just cookies. They remind me of cozy mornings curled up in a rocking chair, listening to Bubby and Gbob share stories of their childhoods. Food has a way of connecting generations, and this gluten-free version ensures that everyone at the table — no matter their dietary needs — can enjoy a piece of our family tradition.
Bubby’s Mandle Bread
Ingredients
- 4 eggs
- 4.5 cups קמח כרגיל or gluten free all purpose baking flour – it also works with regular flour or almond flour
- 1 cup oil
- 1.5 cups sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1 tsp almond extract
- 1.5 tbsp baking powder
- Juice of half a lemon
- Chocolate chips walnuts, almonds, or whatever addition you would like
Instructions
- Beat the eggs and add in the oil, sugar, vanilla, almond extract, and lemon juice.
- Next, slowly incorporate the flour and baking powder until combined.
- Finally, pour in as many chocolate chips, walnuts, almonds, or other add in as your heart desires.
- Wet your hands well and take 1/3 of the dough and place it in a log shape on the baking sheet.
- Repeat twice more leaving space in between the three logs.
- Start the first bake- on 350 F for 20-23 minutes.
- Take the pan out of the oven and let cool a few minutes.
- Once cool, slice the logs into small strips and place lines up on the baking sheet.
- Bake again for 7-10 minutes or until golden and crunchy.
- Best served with tea or coffee.
I recently got Bubby to film a full tutorial with me, which you can find on Instagram.
My other favorite Bubby recipe is her Amaretto Cake, which we also learned to make gluten free! If you love almond flavor, this cake will blow you away.