Name: Italian Almond Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 cup (200 g) almond flour; 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar; Pinch of sea salt; 2 large egg whites (room temperature); 1 tsp almond extract; ½ cup (60 g) confectioners’ sugar for coating

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If you’re searching for that perfect bite of sweet, nutty goodness that instantly transports you to a sunny Italian bakery, look no further than these Italian Almond Cookies. With a crisp, sugar-dusted shell and a tender, chewy center, each cookie is elegantly simple yet full of rich almond flavor. Whether you’ve got friends coming over for afternoon coffee or need a naturally gluten-free treat to wow your family, these cookies deliver classic Italian comfort in under 30 minutes. Let’s dive in to the irresistible world of Italian Almond Cookies!

Italian Almond Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

There’s genuine magic in how just a handful of pantry staples becomes something so spectacular. Each ingredient in Italian Almond Cookies adds a delightful note—whether it’s crunch, aroma, or that signature chewiness.

Almond flour: The star ingredient; brings rich nuttiness and keeps the cookies gluten-free without sacrificing texture.
Granulated sugar: For just the right sweetness and a crispy edge as the cookies bake.
Sea salt: A pinch enhances all the flavors, making the almonds taste even toastier and the sweetness brighter.
Egg whites (room temperature): These create that signature crackly exterior and chewy interior, so let the eggs sit out before you start.
Almond extract: Just a teaspoon boosts the almond aroma and flavor, giving these cookies their Italian flair.
Confectioners’ sugar (for coating): Rolling each ball in powdered sugar not only makes them beautiful but gives the exterior a melt-in-your-mouth finish.

How to Make Italian Almond Cookies

Step 1: Mix Your Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the almond flour, granulated sugar, and a pinch of sea salt. The almond flour gives your Italian Almond Cookies that incredible texture, while blending in the sugar and salt ensures every bite is balanced and full of flavor.

Step 2: Whisk and Flavor the Egg Whites

In a separate bowl, use a fork or whisk to vigorously whip the egg whites until they’re foamy and light, but not fully stiff. Add the almond extract at this point so the aroma gets distributed evenly throughout the egg whites—this little hit of essence is key to signature Italian Almond Cookies flavor!

Step 3: Combine to Form the Dough

Gently fold your egg whites into the almond mixture. It may seem dry at first, but as you go, you’ll see a soft, sticky dough come together. This is when the anticipation grows; treat the mixture with a light touch so you don’t lose the airiness from the egg whites.

Step 4: Shape and Coat the Cookies

Scoop the dough into 1-inch balls—about the size of a generous tablespoon. Roll each ball in confectioners’ sugar until fully coated. This not only gives their iconic snowy look, but also contributes to that unforgettable crisp exterior of Italian Almond Cookies.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Line a baking sheet with parchment and set your cookies an inch apart. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 to 20 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when they’re lightly golden and have those pretty little cracks on top. Leave them to cool completely on the baking sheet so they set up just right—the hardest part is waiting!

How to Serve Italian Almond Cookies

Garnishes

Simple can be stunning. A light, extra dusting of confectioners’ sugar right before serving makes your Italian Almond Cookies irresistibly pretty. If you’d like, you can gently press a single toasted almond into the top before baking, or add a sprinkle of lemon zest for a pop of color and zippy aroma.

Side Dishes

These cookies practically beg to be paired with an espresso or a frothy cappuccino. For a rustic dessert platter, add fresh berries or a bowl of roasted stone fruit. And if you want a more decadent spread, a scoop of vanilla or lemon gelato elevates the cookies to a dreamy after-dinner treat.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack the cookies in tiers on a pretty cake stand for a festive centerpiece, or package them up in little cellophane bags tied with ribbon for charming edible gifts. For holidays, arrange your Italian Almond Cookies with candied citrus and dark chocolate squares for an impressive, bakery-inspired cookie board.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

These cookies keep their delightful chew for days! Store them in an airtight container at room temperature, and they’ll stay fresh and tender for up to 10 days. Avoid storing them uncovered, as they can dry out or lose their lovely texture.

Freezing

Want to have a stash of Italian Almond Cookies ready for anytime cravings? Freeze the baked cookies in layers, separated by parchment, in a zip-top freezer bag. They’ll keep beautifully for up to three months. Just let them thaw for about thirty minutes on the counter before serving.

Reheating

While these cookies are fantastic at room temperature, if you crave that just-baked warmth, pop them on a baking sheet and heat in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 2 or 3 minutes. Don’t microwave, as it can make them tough—instead, this gentle reheating restores their magic!

FAQs

Can I use regular flour instead of almond flour?

For true Italian Almond Cookies, almond flour is essential to achieve the classic flavor and gluten-free chew. Regular all-purpose flour will change both the taste and texture, so it’s best to stick with almond flour for authentic results.

Are these cookies the same as amaretti?

They are closely related! Italian Almond Cookies like these are an easy version of soft amaretti, featuring the same almond richness and chewy bite. Traditional amaretti sometimes include a splash of amaretto liqueur, but the texture and taste are very similar.

Why do my cookies crack on top?

The iconic cracks are a good thing! Rolling them in confectioners’ sugar and baking at the right temperature helps create that crisp, crackled exterior—one of the defining features of perfect Italian Almond Cookies.

Can I make these cookies nut-free?

Since almond flour is the base of this recipe, making them nut-free would require a complete overhaul. However, if you need a nut-free treat, there are plenty of other Italian cookies to explore—these are meant to showcase pure almond flavor!

Do I need to chill the dough?

Not at all! This is one of those fantastic recipes where you mix, shape, and bake straight away. No waiting necessary, so you can have warm Italian Almond Cookies on your table in about half an hour.

Final Thoughts

There’s something a little magical about how quickly these Italian Almond Cookies come together, filling your kitchen with their sweet, nutty aroma. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just in need of a moment of indulgence, don’t miss out on this recipe—it’s an easy shortcut to the rustic charm and timeless flavor of an Italian bakery. Pour yourself a coffee, share with someone you love, and enjoy every chewy, almond-packed bite!

Italian Almond Cookies Recipe

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4.9 from 12 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: About 24 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Italian Almond Cookies are a delightful gluten-free treat with a crispy exterior and a chewy center. Made with almond flour and coated in confectioners’ sugar, they are perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Almond Cookies:

1 cup (200 g) almond flour
1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
Pinch of sea salt
2 large egg whites (room temperature)
1 tsp almond extract

Coating:

½ cup (60 g) confectioners’ sugar for coating

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Instructions

Prepare the Almond Mixture: In a bowl, whisk together almond flour, granulated sugar, and sea salt.
Whisk Egg Whites: In a separate bowl, whisk egg whites until foamy, then stir in almond extract.
Combine and Shape Dough: Fold egg whites into almond mixture until a soft dough forms. Shape dough into 1‑inch (2.5 cm) balls.
Coat and Bake: Roll the balls in confectioners’ sugar and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake at 350 °F (175 °C) for 15–20 minutes until lightly golden.
Cool and Serve: Cool the cookies on the baking sheet before transferring. Enjoy!