Cinnamon Almond Dutch Letters

Ingredients

• Remove the almond paste from the food processor, scraping the sides. Wrap the paste in plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to use.
• In a large mixing bowl, mix together the flour and salt. Add the butter slices to the flour and toss to ensure the butter pieces are coated and not sticking together.
• Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead the dough to form a ball. Repeat this about 5 times. Once kneaded, form the dough into a rectangle.
• Repeat this process until all of the letters have been prepared.
• Place letters seam side down on ungreased baking sheets. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for 25 minutes or until letters are golden. Remove from the oven and cool on cooling racks.
• 1 cup water1-1/2 cups almonds
• 1-1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 egg whites
• 1-1/2 teaspoons almond extract
• 4-3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups cold butter, plus 2 tablespoons, cut into 1/2" slices
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 cup ice water
• 1/4 cup coarse sugar
• 1/4 cup whole milk