Easy Italian Almond Cookies Recipe
Introduction
These Easy Italian Almond Cookies are light, chewy, and packed with nutty flavor. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, they make a delightful treat perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1½ cups almond flour
- 2 egg whites, lightly beaten
- 3/4 cup caster sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp almond extract
- Pinch of salt
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 2: Pour the powdered sugar into a small bowl and set aside for coating the cookies.
- Step 3: In a medium bowl, combine almond flour, egg whites, caster sugar, vanilla extract, almond extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix until a dough forms. You may find it easiest to use your hands to fully incorporate the ingredients.
- Step 4: Scoop about 1½ tablespoons of dough and roll it into a ball. Roll the ball in the powdered sugar to coat it, then place it on the prepared cookie sheet. Gently flatten each ball slightly with your fingers.
- Step 5: Bake for 11 to 13 minutes. The cookies will not spread, so keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking—they should be set but soft when done.
Tips & Variations
- Use superfine caster sugar for a smoother dough texture and better sweetness balance.
- For a richer almond flavor, lightly toast the almond flour before mixing.
- Try adding a tablespoon of lemon zest for a fresh citrus twist.
- Swap powdered sugar coating for a dusting of cinnamon sugar for a different flavor profile.
Storage
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. To keep them fresh longer, place a slice of bread in the container to maintain moisture. Reheat gently in a low oven if you prefer them warm.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use regular granulated sugar instead of caster sugar?
While granulated sugar can be used, caster sugar dissolves more easily and produces a smoother dough and better texture in these cookies.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
The cookies should look set and have a slight golden tint on the edges but remain soft in the center. Avoid overbaking as they will harden once cooled.
PrintEasy Italian Almond Cookies Recipe
These Easy Italian Almond Cookies are delicate, chewy treats made with almond flour and infused with vanilla and almond extracts. Lightly sweetened and dusted with powdered sugar, they are perfect for a simple homemade dessert or an elegant tea-time snack.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: About 15–18 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1½ cups almond flour
- 2 egg whites, lightly beaten
- 3/4 cup caster sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp almond extract
- Pinch of salt
For Coating
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Prepare Coating: Pour the powdered sugar into a small bowl and set it aside. This will be used to coat the cookie dough balls before baking.
- Make Dough: In a medium bowl, combine the almond flour, lightly beaten egg whites, caster sugar, vanilla extract, almond extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix well until a slightly sticky cookie dough forms. You may need to use your hands to incorporate all ingredients evenly.
- Shape Cookies: Using about 1 ½ tablespoons of dough, roll into a ball. Roll each dough ball in the powdered sugar until fully coated. Place the coated balls onto the prepared cookie sheet, spacing them apart as these cookies will not spread during baking.
- Flatten Cookies: Gently press down on each cookie ball with your fingers to flatten it slightly—this helps the cookie cook evenly and achieve the right texture.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 11 to 13 minutes. Watch carefully to avoid overbaking; the cookies should be just set and lightly golden, retaining a chewy texture.
- Cool: Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy once cooled.
Notes
- Do not overbake the cookies as they can become dry and lose their chewy texture.
- The cookies do not spread, so it’s important to flatten them slightly before baking.
- Use almond flour specifically (not almond meal) for a finer texture.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Keywords: Italian almond cookies, almond flour cookies, gluten free cookies, chewy almond cookies, easy almond cookies
