Generic selectors
Exact matches only
Search in title
Search in content
Post Type Selectors

Mama Living Abroad

Mandel Bread (Mandelbrot) with White Chocolate

If you hate doing extra dishes as much as I do, this Mandel Bread Recipe is like a dream come true. All you need is one bowl and a spoon! When I say one bowl, that translates to no mixer! Did I mention it is Pareve (non-dairy) too?!!

Mandel Bread cookies on a tray
Mandel Bread cookies on a tray

Mandel Bread is a delicious twice-baked Jewish cookie similar to Biscotti. These cookies are perfect for when you’re in the mood for something sweet. Sometimes, a good old classic will hit the spot. Afternoon tea time, teacher gifts, Shabbat kiddush, or a late-night snack–Mandel Bread goes with anything. You name the occasion, and this recipe for Mandel Bread works for it.

What is Mandel Bread?

Mandel Bread actually comes from the Yiddish name Mandelbrot, which means almond bread. However, it is a type of twice-baked cookie with roots in Ashkenazi Jewish cuisine. This Mandel Bread is also known as Mandelbrot Cookies and Kamish Bread. 

Similar to Italian Biscotti, these Jewish cookies are baked twice. This technique yields a crunchy, crisp, and light-textured cookie that pairs perfectly with a warm beverage. 

Traditionally, as the name Mandelbrot indicates, almonds are added. In this recipe, I used white chocolate chips and sprinkles. Semi-sweet chocolate chips are great too!

Ingredients Overview:

All-purpose flour: I highly recommend measuring the flour correctly because just a couple extra ounces of flour can really change the texture of the cookies. The most accurate way to measure flour is to use a digital scale. Weighing flour is better than measuring it by volume. To accurately measure flour without a scale, spoon the flour into your measuring cup until the flour reaches just over the top of the cup. With the back of a knife, scrape off the excess flour so that it is level. 

Oil: The fat in the oil provides the necessary moisture to help prevent the cookies from drying out. Use oils that don’t add a strong flavor, like Canola or vegetable.

Sugar: For sweetness.

Vanilla: Adds flavor and brings out the flavors of other ingredients. If you don’t like vanilla, you can also use almond extract.

Cointreau or brandy: Additional delicious flavor. You can substitute it with orange juice or water

Baking powder: Gives the cookies lift.

Eggs: Bind the cookies and also help with leavening.

Add-ins: Traditionally, as the name Mandelbrot indicates, almonds are added. In this recipe, I used white chocolate chips and sprinkles. Semi-sweet dark chocolate chips are great too!

How to Make Mandel Bread (Mandelbrot) with White Chocolate?

Step 1: Mixing the wet ingredients: This ensures that the ingredients are well combined.

Step 2: Adding the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and gently kneading them together: This allows all the ingredients to come together and form the dough. Mix until the ingredients are combined. Now it is time to add the chocolate chips and sprinkles.

Step 3: First bake: Separate the dough into 2-3 equal parts and form logs. Bake logs until golden, puffed, and just firm to the touch (about 15-20 minutes).

Step 4: Second bake: Once the baked “logs” are cool enough to handle, slice at a 45° angle. Place the cookies back on the baking sheet, cut sides up. Then, bake a second time. This second bake creates that crispy texture the cookies are famous for.

Pro Tips: 

If the dough is sticky: Wet or oil your hands. This way, shaping the dough into logs is much easier.

To slice the logs: Use a serrated knife in a back-and-forth motion for best results. Cutting the cookies in a rectangular shape or at an angle is a personal preference. Slicing at a larger angle will result in longer cookies, and a smaller angle will produce smaller cookies.

Leave room on the baking sheet. The dough does spread a bit as it bakes, so be sure to leave a few inches between the logs.

How to Make Mandel Bread Crunchy?

The final texture of the cookie depends on the total baking time. For a slightly softer texture, reduce the time of the second bake. Similarly, if the cookies are too soft, increase the duration of the second bake.

How Thick Should I Cut My Mandel Bread?

The thickness of the biscotti is a personal preference. Keep in mind that cutting them thicker or thinner will affect the final yield. A thinner cut will yield more biscotti versus a thicker one.

How to make mini cookies: To make small cookies, shape the dough into three or four logs instead of two. The smaller dough logs will require less baking time, so begin checking on them after 10 minutes.

How to Store Mandel Bread? 

Store at room temperature in airtight containers for up to 4 weeks. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months.

How Do I Know When the Cookies Are Done?

After the first bake: The edges will be browned, and the logs will expand slightly. The center will be slightly soft and should bounce back when you press on it lightly.

After the second bake: The best way to know if the cookies are well baked is by applying pressure to the center of the cookie. It needs a few more minutes in the oven if it is soft. Just know that the cookies will harden when they cool.

Jewish Cookies You’ll Love 

Hanukkah Gelt Cookies

Hamantaschen (Jewish Purim Cookies)

Mandel Bread (Mandelbrot) Jewish Cookies

All opinions are always 100% honest and my own. Links are affiliate links. If you click a link and buy something, I receive a commission for the sale. It doesn’t cost you anything extra and you are free to use the link or not as you choose. If you do use my links, I appreciate your support!

Mandel Bread cookies on a tray

Mandel Bread (Mandelbrot) with White Chocolate

Author Rachel
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Yield 20 large cookies
Print Pin Recipe

Description

Mandel bread is a delicious twice-baked Jewish cookie similar to Biscotti. These cookies are perfect for when you're in the mood for something sweet.
Kosher, Dairy

Ingredients

  • 3 large egg
  • 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) canola oil
  • 1 Teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 Teaspoon Cointreau or Brandy or orange juice or water
  • A pinch of salt
  • 3 cups (420g) all-purpose flour
  • 3 Teaspoons (15g) baking powder
  • 1/3 cup (60g) white chocolate cut into small cubes, or chocolate chips
  • 1/3 cup (60g) sprinkles optional

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350°F/180°C. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Mix eggs, sugar, oil, vanilla, brandy, and salt in a large bowl until combined.
  • Add flour and baking powder; mix until combined. I like to start mixing with a spoon and then using my hands to form the dough.
  • Stir in chocolate and sprinkles
  • Divide the dough into two equal parts.
    *You can divide the dough into 3-4 equal parts; it depends on how big you would like your cookies to be.
  • Shape each into a log about 9" long 3.5-4" wide 1/2" high. Place logs on the prepared baking sheet.
  • Bake logs until golden, puffed, and just firm to the touch (about 15-20 minutes). Let them cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes. Then carefully place them on a cooling rack for additional 20 minutes.
  • Lower the oven temperature to 250°F/120°C.
  • Cut logs into ¾ -inch thick slices on the baking sheet with a serrated knife. The cookies should still be slightly doughy inside.
  • Place the cookies, cut side up, on the baking sheet. Bake for 20-40 minutes until dry. The centers of the cookies will be slightly soft, and the cookies should be a light golden brown color. They will be crunchy once completely cooled.

Notes

If the dough is sticky: Wet or oil your hands. This way, shaping the dough into logs is much easier.
To slice the logs: Use a serrated knife in a back-and-forth motion for best results. Cutting the cookies in a rectangular shape or at an angle is a personal preference. Slicing at a larger angle will result in longer cookies, and a smaller angle will produce smaller cookies.
Leave room on the baking sheet. The dough does spread a bit as it bakes, so be sure to leave a few inches between the logs.
Tried this recipe? Tag@mamalivingabroad
I love hearing from you! If you’ve tried this Mandel Bread (Mandelbrot) with White Chocolate recipe, then please rate the recipe and let me know how you got on in the comments below. Your email address will not be published.

9 comments

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Hi, I’m Rachel.

Welcome to my little corner of the internet! I’m happy you’re here. I am the food blogger and photographer behind “Mama Living Abroad.”

In this space, I am sharing flavorful Israeli and Jewish recipes that I love to make and have my family and friends approve. My blog is 100% Kosher.

Popular Right Now

Join our mailing list

to receive a FREE E-Book:

the complete challah guide

Tips, techniques, and recipes for making delicious and beautiful Challah bread

*******

You can change your mind at any time by clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any of our emails.