Why Make This Recipe
Traditional Sicilian Almond Cookies are a delightful treat that combines simple ingredients with rich flavors. These cookies are perfect for sharing with family and friends or enjoying with a cup of coffee. Their sweet almond taste and soft texture make them a beloved classic, bringing a taste of Sicily right to your home.
How to Make Traditional Sicilian Almond Cookies
Ingredients
- 2 cups almond flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large egg whites
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Whole almonds, for garnish
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine almond flour, granulated sugar, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together egg whites, almond extract, and vanilla extract until frothy.
- Gradually add the egg white mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring until a sticky dough forms.
- Using your hands, form small balls of dough (about 1 inch in diameter) and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Flatten each ball slightly and press a whole almond into the center of each cookie.
- Lightly dust the tops of the cookies with powdered sugar.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy!
How to Serve Traditional Sicilian Almond Cookies
These cookies are delicious on their own, but you can also serve them with a cup of tea or coffee. They make a great addition to dessert platters and are sure to impress your guests.
How to Store Traditional Sicilian Almond Cookies
You can store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want them to last longer, consider freezing them. Just make sure to place parchment paper between the layers to prevent sticking.
Tips to Make Traditional Sicilian Almond Cookies
- Make sure to measure the almond flour accurately for the best results.
- Beat the egg whites until they are frothy but not stiff for a better texture.
- If the dough is too sticky, let it sit for a few minutes before rolling into balls.
Variations
You can add chocolate chips or citrus zest to the dough for a different flavor. Some people also enjoy adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top for a sweet and salty combination.
FAQs
1. Can I use regular flour instead of almond flour?
No, almond flour is key to the texture and flavor of these cookies. Using regular flour will change the recipe significantly.
2. What can I substitute for almond extract?
If you don’t have almond extract, you can use additional vanilla extract. However, this will change the flavor profile a bit.
3. Can I make these cookies vegan?
You can try replacing the egg whites with aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas) to make a vegan version, but results may vary.
Traditional Sicilian Almond Cookies
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful Traditional Sicilian Almond Cookies with sweet almond taste and soft texture, perfect for sharing or enjoying with coffee.
Ingredients
- 2 cups almond flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large egg whites
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Whole almonds, for garnish
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine almond flour, granulated sugar, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together egg whites, almond extract, and vanilla extract until frothy.
- Gradually add the egg white mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring until a sticky dough forms.
- Using your hands, form small balls of dough (about 1 inch in diameter) and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Flatten each ball slightly and press a whole almond into the center of each cookie.
- Lightly dust the tops of the cookies with powdered sugar.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy!
Notes
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze with parchment paper between layers.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian