Description
These soft and chewy Almond Paste Cookies are packed with rich almond flavor, golden around the edges, and finished with a delicate dusting of powdered sugar and a whole almond. This old-fashioned Italian-inspired cookie is perfect with coffee or tea, spring gatherings, holidays, and homemade cookie trays.
Ingredients
8 ounces almond paste
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large egg whites
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
Powdered sugar, for dusting
18 whole almonds, for topping
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Cut or crumble the almond paste into small pieces. If the almond paste is firm, grate it using the coarse side of a box grater or pulse it briefly in a food processor.
3. Place the almond paste and granulated sugar in a large mixing bowl and beat until crumbly and evenly combined.
4. Gradually add the egg whites, mixing until a thick, sticky dough forms.
5. Add the almond extract, vanilla extract, and salt and mix until well combined.
6. Scoop portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each cookie for slight spreading.
7. Gently place a whole almond in the center of each cookie.
8. Lightly dust the tops with powdered sugar.
9. Bake for 12 to 16 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set but still soft.
10. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for several minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Use good-quality almond paste for the richest almond flavor.
If the dough feels too soft, chill it for 15 to 20 minutes before shaping.
Do not overbake the cookies; the centers should remain soft and chewy.
Parchment paper makes these delicate cookies easier to remove.
Fresh lemon or orange zest can be added for a bright citrus variation.
Store completely cooled cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freeze baked cookies in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
This recipe can be naturally gluten-free, but check ingredient labels if gluten contamination is a concern.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 16 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 30mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg