Italian Almond Cookies

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Italian Almond Cookies are naturally gluten-free, making them a great option for those with dietary restrictions. The nutty almond flavor shines through in every bite, and the texture is perfectly balanced—crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. These cookies are simple to prepare and require just a few pantry ingredients, making them an ideal choice for a quick yet delicious homemade treat. Whether you’re serving them at a holiday gathering or enjoying them with a cup of tea, these cookies are sure to impress!

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups almond flour (or finely ground almonds)

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• 2 large egg whites

• 1 teaspoon almond extract

• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 cup whole almonds (optional, for decoration)

• 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest (optional, for added freshness)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven:

• Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup.

2. Prepare the dough:

• In a large bowl, combine the almond flour and powdered sugar. Stir until evenly mixed.

• In a separate clean bowl, beat the egg whites with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form. This should take about 3-4 minutes.

• Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the almond flour mixture, being careful not to deflate the meringue. Add the almond extract, vanilla extract, salt, and lemon zest (if using) and mix until well combined. The dough will be thick and slightly sticky.

3. Shape the cookies:

• Use a tablespoon or a small cookie scoop to form small balls of dough. Roll each ball between your hands to smooth it out.

• Place the dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spaced about 1 inch apart.

• If desired, gently press a whole almond into the top of each dough ball for decoration.

4. Bake the cookies:

• Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. The cookies should be slightly firm on the outside but soft in the center.

• Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

5. Serve:

• Once the cookies have cooled, serve them on their own or dust them with a little extra powdered sugar for a festive touch. They’re perfect with coffee, tea, or as a sweet treat after dinner.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 18-20 cookies

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 15-18 minutes

• Total Time: 25-30 minutes

Variations

• Add chocolate: Dip the bottoms of the cookies in melted dark chocolate for a chocolate-covered twist on these almond cookies.

• Citrus flavor: Add a little orange zest or lemon juice to the dough for a fresh, citrusy flavor that complements the almonds.

• Spiced version: Add a pinch of ground cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, spiced flavor that pairs well with the almonds.

• Make them smaller: For bite-sized cookies, reduce the dough portions to about 1-inch balls. This will make the baking time slightly shorter.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover Italian Almond Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

FAQs

Can I use whole almonds instead of almond flour?

You can make your own almond flour by grinding whole almonds in a food processor until finely ground. However, whole almonds in the dough will not provide the same texture as almond flour, so it’s best to use finely ground almonds for this recipe.

Can I use egg substitutes?

Yes, you can try egg substitutes, such as aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas) or a commercially available egg replacer, if you need a vegan version. The texture may vary slightly, but the cookies should still turn out delicious.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free because it uses almond flour instead of wheat flour.

Can I use almond meal instead of almond flour?

Yes, almond meal can be used, though it tends to have a coarser texture than almond flour. It will still work for these cookies, but the texture might be slightly different.

How do I know when the cookies are done?

The cookies should be golden brown around the edges and slightly firm to the touch. They will firm up further as they cool.

Conclusion

Italian Almond Cookies are a delicious and simple treat that brings the nutty flavor of almonds to the forefront. With a slightly chewy texture and a crispy edge, these cookies are a true delight for anyone who enjoys classic Italian desserts. Whether you’re serving them during the holidays or enjoying them with your afternoon coffee, they’re sure to be a hit! Easy to make, naturally gluten-free, and irresistibly delicious, these cookies will quickly become a favorite in your baking repertoire.

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