Italian Almond-Orange Cookies are delicate, soft cookies with a chewy center and a lightly crisp sugar-coated exterior. Made with almond flour, fresh orange zest, and simple pantry ingredients, these cookies capture the elegance of traditional Italian baking while remaining easy to prepare at home. Their naturally rich almond flavor combined with bright citrus notes makes them perfect for holidays, tea time, or elegant dessert platters.
Unlike butter-heavy cookies, this recipe relies on almond flour and egg whites to create a tender texture that stays moist for days. The powdered sugar coating gives each cookie its beautiful crackled appearance once baked.
Ingredients
- 2 large egg whites
- 150 g granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Zest of 1 large orange (finely grated)
- 250 g almond flour (finely ground)
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- 120 g powdered sugar (for coating)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough
In a mixing bowl, whisk the egg whites with the granulated sugar until the mixture looks smooth and slightly frothy. Add the honey and orange zest, then mix again until fully combined. The citrus aroma should be noticeable at this stage.
2. Add the Dry Ingredients
Gradually fold in the almond flour and baking powder using a spatula. Continue mixing until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. If you like a deeper flavor, add a small amount of vanilla extract.
3. Chill the Dough
Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator for about 30–45 minutes. Chilling helps the dough firm up, making it easier to shape and improving the final cookie texture.
4. Shape the Cookies
Preheat the oven to 170°C (340°F) and line a baking tray with parchment paper. Scoop small portions of dough and roll them into balls about the size of a walnut. Roll each ball generously in powdered sugar until fully coated.
5. Bake
Arrange the cookies on the prepared tray, leaving space between them. Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the tops crack slightly and the edges look set while the centers remain soft.
6. Cool and Serve
Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool completely on a rack. They will firm up slightly as they cool but remain tender inside. Serve with coffee, tea, or as part of a dessert platter.
Tips for Success
- Use finely ground almond flour for a smooth texture.
- Avoid overbaking; the cookies should stay soft in the middle.
- Fresh orange zest gives the best flavor, so avoid bottled substitutes.
- If the dough feels too sticky to handle, chill it a bit longer.
Storage
Store Italian Almond-Orange Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. Their texture often improves after the first day, becoming even softer and more flavorful.