Gluten-Free Tuesday: Salted Marcona Almond Cookies

Ingredients

• 24  almonds salted for cookie tops (skinned and lightly )
• 1 teaspoon double-acting baking powder 
• 2 tablespoons butter 
• 0.3 cup cornstarch 
• 2 large eggs 
• 1 cup granulated sugar 
• 24 servings kosher salt for sprinkling
• 1 cup rice flour white
• 0.5 teaspoon salt 
• 2 ounces baker's chocolate unsweetened
• 0.3 teaspoon xanthan gum 

Equipment

• bowl
• frying pan
• baking sheet
• baking paper
• oven
• whisk
• mixing bowl
• wire rack
• plastic wrap
• microwave

Directions

1. In medium mixing bowl, whisk together white rice flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and xanthan gum. Set aside.
2. Place chocolate in microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 20 seconds.
3. Remove bowl from microwave and stir. Repeat until chocolate is melted. Or place chocolate into top of double-boiler that is set over hot but not boiling water. Stir chocolate frequently until melted. In a separate small bowl, melt butter. (Butter and chocolate melt at different temperatures. By melting them separately, I'm guaranteed the butter won’t spurt all over the microwave while the chocolate finishes melting.)
4. In large bowl, stir together melted chocolate and melted butter.
5. Add granulated sugar. Stir to combine until chocolate and butter are thoroughly incorporated.
6. Add eggs. Stir mixture until smooth.
7. Add whisked dry ingredients. Stir until a thick batter forms. Press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto dough. Chill for four hours or overnight.
8. Preheat oven to 350° F. Line baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop dough, about one tablespoon each, and roll into balls.
9. Place dough on prepared baking sheet. Press one marcona almond into the center of dough. (Flat-side down).
10. Sprinkle lightly with kosher salt. Cookies spread during baking. Be sure to space cookies about three-inches apart on baking sheet. Chill remaining dough between batches.
11. Bake until cookies have a dry, crackled appearance, about 11-13 minutes. Cool on pan for two minutes.
12. Transfer cookies to wire rack to cool.