Iraqi Cardamom Cookies (Hadgi Badah)

Ingredients

 * 2	cup	All-purpose flour
 * 1	tsp	Ground cardamom
 * 1/2	tsp	Salt
 * 1/4	tsp	Baking powder
 * 1 1/3	cup	Sugar
 * 4	lrg	Eggs
 * 2	cup	Ground blanched almonds, about 10 oz.
 * Rose water, optional
 * 6	doz	whole almonds, approximately

Directions

 * 1) Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease several large baking sheets.
 * 2) Sift together the flour, cardamom, salt, and baking powder. Beat the sugar and eggs until light and creamy. Stir in the flour mixture, then the ground almonds.
 * 3) Form the dough into 1-inch balls, moistening your hands with rose water, if desired. Place on the prepared baking sheets and flatten slightly. Press a whole almond into the center of each cookie.
 * 4) Bake until lightly browned about 12 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack and let cool. Store in an airtight container at room temperature.
 * 5) Makes about 72 cookies.