Ready to bake something that will transport you straight to Italy?
These Italian almond cookies are the perfect combination of chewy, nutty goodness on the inside and slightly crispy edges on the outside.
If you've been craving a treat that's both sweet and satisfying, this recipe is the one for you. With just a few ingredients, we're going to create an unforgettable flavor that you'll love!
Ingredients You'll Need
Before we start, let's make sure we have everything on hand. This recipe is simple, and the ingredients are easy to find, but the result will impress everyone who tries them. Here's what we'll need:
• 3 cups (300 grams) almond flour
• 1 cup (200 grams) sugar
• A pinch of salt
• Zest from 1 large lemon (or 2 small)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon almond extract
• 3 egg whites (medium-sized eggs)
• ¼ cup powdered sugar for rolling (optional)
• 22 whole almonds (one for each cookie)
Preparing the Dough
Now that we have our ingredients ready, let's start by preheating the oven to 325°F (165°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the almond flour, sugar, salt, and lemon zest. This blend of dry ingredients forms the base for the cookie dough, and the lemon zest adds a refreshing twist to the flavor profile.
Next, it's time to add the wet ingredients: vanilla extract, almond extract, and egg whites. Mix everything together until you have a dough that's soft and slightly sticky. If the dough feels too dry, add a little more egg white. If it's too wet, add a touch more almond flour. The texture should be just right to roll into small balls.
Rolling and Shaping the Cookies
Once the dough is ready, it's time to form the cookies. Take about one tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball. For an added touch of sweetness, roll each dough ball in powdered sugar. This gives the cookies a delicate, slightly crisp coating that enhances their flavor when baked.
Place the sugar-coated dough balls onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Top each one with a whole almond. The almond not only adds a beautiful look but also gives each bite that extra nutty flavor.
Baking the Cookies
Now comes the fun part—baking! Pop the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly golden around the edges and on the bottom. The smell that fills your kitchen will be absolutely divine! Once they're baked, let the cookies cool down on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Serving and Enjoying
These Italian almond cookies are best served at room temperature, and trust us, they'll disappear quickly! The outside is just crispy enough, while the inside remains chewy and full of flavor. The almond topping adds a delightful crunch and a nutty contrast to the sweetness of the dough.
Pro Tips for Perfect Almond Cookies
• If you prefer an extra layer of sweetness, dust the cookies with more powdered sugar once they have cooled.
• Experiment with other nuts! While almonds are traditional, you can also top the cookies with hazelnuts or pistachios for a fun twist.
• Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake—every oven is different, so check the cookies a little earlier if you're unsure.
These Italian almond cookies are incredibly simple to make, yet they pack so much flavor. Perfect for a sweet treat with coffee, as a gift for a loved one, or just for satisfying your sweet tooth, these cookies will surely become a favorite in your baking repertoire. We hope you enjoy baking and sharing these cookies as much as we do!
Happy baking, and don't forget to share your results with us!
