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Ricciarelli Italian almond cookies on a vintage gold-rimmed plate with powdered sugar and cracked tops.

Italian Almond Cookies

Ella
Soft, chewy Italian almond cookies with orange zest and a powdered sugar finish—naturally gluten-free and irresistibly good.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine Italian
Servings 18 servings
Calories 100 kcal

Ingredients
  

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 cups 200g almond flour
  • cups 180g powdered sugar
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • Pinch of salt

Wet Ingredients

  • 2 large egg whites
  • ½ teaspoon almond extract
  • Zest of 1 small orange

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven:

  • Set your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.

Mix the Dry Ingredients:

  • In a large bowl, whisk together almond flour, powdered sugar, baking powder, and salt, ensuring all the ingredients are evenly combined for a smooth, consistent base.

Whip the Egg Whites:

  • In a clean mixing bowl, beat the egg whites until they form soft peaks using a hand or stand mixer.

Combine Wet and Dry:

  • Gently fold the egg whites into the dry mixture using a spatula.
  • Add the almond extract and orange zest, and mix until a sticky dough forms.

Shape the Cookies:

  • Scoop out 1 tablespoon of dough for each cookie.
  • Roll each piece in powdered sugar and shape into a slightly flattened oval or round.

Bake:

  • Place cookies on the prepared baking sheet, spaced about 1 inch apart.
  • Bake for 18–20 minutes, until the tops are crackled and dry but the centers remain soft.

Cool and Serve:

  • Let the cookies cool on the tray for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  • Dust with additional powdered sugar before serving, if desired.

Notes

Nutrition Information (Per Cookie)
Nutrient Amount (approx.)
Calories 100 kcal
Total Fat 5g
Saturated Fat 0.5g
Carbohydrates 11g
Sugar 9g
Protein 3g
Fiber 1g
Sodium 20mg
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary depending on exact ingredients used.
Keyword Italian Almond Cookies