I can hardly contain my excitement to share one of my absolute favorite recipes with you: Italian Almond Cookies! These delightful little treats are a beautiful blend of sweet, nutty flavor and chewy texture that always reminds me of family gatherings during the holidays. There’s something magical about the aroma of almond extract wafting through the kitchen that instantly transports me to my grandmother’s house, where these cookies were a staple. Baking them always feels like a warm embrace from the past.
Whenever I whip up a batch of these Italian Almond Cookies, it’s like inviting all those lovely memories back. My family and friends adore them, and these cookies have earned a reputation for being the star of any cookie plate. Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to make, which is a win-win in my book!
What’s in Italian Almond Cookies?
Almond Flour: This is the star of the show! Almond flour gives these cookies their unique chewy texture and nutty flavor. I prefer using blanched almond flour, as it creates a wonderfully light cookie.
Granulated Sugar: A touch of sweetness is needed to balance the flavors. Granulated sugar helps to create that lovely little crust on the outside of the cookie.
Almond Extract: The essence of almond shines through with this ingredient. It’s crucial to get a good quality almond extract, as it elevates the flavor profile of these cookies.
Eggs: You’ll need a couple of eggs to bind everything together and add richness. Don’t skip this ingredient, as it plays a vital role in the texture.
Baking Powder: A little leavening agent to help the cookies rise slightly. It gives them a nice texture without making them puff up too much.
Powdered Sugar: This is used for dusting on top for that lovely, powdered finish. It also adds a subtle hint of sweetness.
Is Italian Almond Cookies Good for You?
Oh, let’s be real – these cookies are a treat, and while they have some redeeming qualities, they’re not exactly health food!
Almond Flour: On the bright side, almond flour is gluten-free and has healthy fats, protein, and fiber, making these cookies a more wholesome option compared to traditional flour cookies.
Eggs: They provide protein and healthy fats as well, which can provide you with a little energy boost.
But let’s be honest, these cookies are still loaded with sugar! Moderation is key, so I recommend enjoying them as an occasional treat rather than an everyday indulgence.
Ingredients List
– 2 cups of almond flour
– 1 cup of granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon of almond extract
– 1 teaspoon of baking powder
– ½ cup of powdered sugar (for dusting)
This recipe makes approximately 24 cookies, serving up just the right amount for sharing (or not)!
How to Make Italian Almond Cookies?
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the almond flour, granulated sugar, and baking powder.
3. In another bowl, whisk the eggs and almond extract together until well combined.
4. Pour the egg mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring until a dough forms. Don’t worry, it will be a bit sticky – that’s what you want!
5. Using wet hands (this helps with the stickiness), roll the dough into small balls about 1 inch in diameter, then place them on the prepared baking sheet a few inches apart.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
7. Once out of the oven, let them cool for a few minutes before dusting the tops with powdered sugar.
Sweet Suggestions for Serving
If you really want to take these cookies up a notch, try serving them alongside a steaming cup of espresso or a glass of dessert wine – trust me, you’ll be in cookie heaven! You can also mix in some chocolate chips if you want to add an extra layer of flavor.
I truly hope you give these Italian Almond Cookies a try! They’ve got the perfect combination of nostalgia, delicious flavor, and easy preparation, making them a wonderful addition to any dessert table. Let me know how your batch turns out – happy baking!
