Italian Ricciarelli (Almond Cookies)

Soft, chewy, and delicately sweet, these almond cookies are a Tuscan Christmas classic.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups almond flour

  • 1 cup powdered sugar

  • 1/4 tsp salt

  • 2 large egg whites

  • 1/2 tsp almond extract

  • 1/2 tsp orange zest

  • Extra powdered sugar for dusting

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 325°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

  2. In a large bowl, whisk together almond flour, powdered sugar, and salt.

  3. Beat egg whites in a clean bowl until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the egg whites into the almond mixture until a sticky dough forms. Add almond extract and orange zest.

  4. Scoop 1-tablespoon portions of dough and shape into small ovals. Place on the baking sheet.

  5. Dust with powdered sugar and bake for 18-20 minutes, until the cookies are just firm but still soft in the center. Cool completely before serving.