Homemade Almond Kisses (Besos de Almendra) – Sweet, Crunchy & Easy to Make

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By Gianna Poulef

Thank you so much for visiting! If you’re searching for a simple cookie that looks elegant and tastes absolutely incredible, these Homemade Almond Kisses are just what you need. Made with buttery almond dough, rolled in powdered sugar, and baked until lightly golden, these little cookies have a delicate crisp exterior with a tender, melt-in-your-mouth center. They’re perfect for holidays, afternoon tea, cookie exchanges, or anytime you’re craving a classic homemade treat.

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Overview of Recipe Content

These Homemade Almond Kisses (also known as Besos de Almendra) are traditional buttery almond cookies made with almond flour for a naturally rich nutty flavor. Their snowy powdered sugar coating makes them as beautiful as they are delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Easy to make
  • Rich almond flavor
  • Crisp outside, tender inside
  • Perfect for gifting
  • Great holiday cookie
  • Naturally gluten-friendly when using certified gluten-free ingredients
  • Beautiful powdered sugar coating
  • Freezer-friendly

What They Taste Like

These cookies are lightly crisp around the edges with a soft, buttery center. The almond flour gives them an irresistible nutty richness while the powdered sugar coating adds a delicate sweetness that melts on your tongue.

Ingredients

This Now, Make It Later!
  • 250g (2½ cups) almond flour
  • 200g (¾ cup + 2 tablespoons) unsalted butter, softened
  • 100g (¾ cup) powdered sugar
  • 2 egg yolks
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Coating

  • 100g (¾ cup) powdered sugar

Optional Add-Ins

  • Almond extract
  • Lemon zest
  • Orange zest
  • Cinnamon
  • Finely chopped pistachios
  • Sliced almonds for garnish

Tools You’ll Need

  • Mixing bowl
  • Electric mixer
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Cookie scoop
  • Cooling rack

Suggested Substitutions

  • Vegan butter instead of dairy butter
  • Coconut sugar (blended into powder)
  • Almond extract instead of vanilla
  • Dairy-free butter alternative

How to Make Homemade Almond Kisses

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2: Cream the Butter

Beat together:

  • Softened butter
  • Powdered sugar

Mix until light and fluffy.

Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients

Mix in:

  • Egg yolks
  • Vanilla extract

Beat until smooth.

Step 4: Add the Dry Ingredients

Stir in:

  • Almond flour
  • Salt

Mix until a soft dough forms.

If the dough feels sticky, chill it for 20–30 minutes.

Step 5: Shape the Cookies

Roll the dough into approximately 1-inch balls.

Place them on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart.

Lightly flatten each one.

Step 6: Bake

Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the bottoms and edges are lightly golden.

Do not overbake.

Step 7: Coat in Powdered Sugar

Allow the cookies to cool for about 5 minutes.

While still slightly warm, gently roll each cookie in powdered sugar.

For an extra snowy finish, coat them a second time once completely cool.

What to Serve with Homemade Almond Kisses

These cookies pair wonderfully with:

  • Coffee
  • Espresso
  • Cappuccino
  • Hot chocolate
  • Tea
  • Vanilla ice cream
  • Fresh berries

Tips for Making Them Perfect

  • Use room-temperature butter.
  • Chill the dough if it becomes too soft.
  • Don’t overbake to keep the centers tender.
  • Double-coat in powdered sugar for the prettiest finish.
  • Use superfine almond flour for the smoothest texture.

Storage Instructions

Room Temperature

Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.

Refrigerator

Keep for up to 2 weeks.

Freezer

Freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months.

Thaw at room temperature and dust with fresh powdered sugar before serving.

General Information

Almond cookies are popular throughout Spain and Latin America, often served during holidays and family celebrations. Their buttery texture and delicate sweetness make them a timeless favorite that’s easy to prepare with just a handful of pantry ingredients.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes! Almond flour is naturally gluten-free. Just make sure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Why use only egg yolks?

Egg yolks create a richer, more tender cookie with a melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Can I freeze the dough?

Absolutely. Shape the dough into balls and freeze for up to three months before baking.

Can I use almond meal?

Superfine almond flour is recommended for the smoothest texture, but almond meal can be used for a more rustic cookie.

Why roll them in powdered sugar twice?

The first coating melts slightly into the warm cookie, while the second gives them their beautiful snowy finish.

Conclusion

These Homemade Almond Kisses are proof that the simplest recipes are often the most memorable. With buttery almond flavor, a delicate crumb, and a sweet powdered sugar coating, they’re perfect for holidays, cookie platters, or enjoying with your favorite cup of coffee.

Bake a batch once, and they’ll quickly become one of your most requested homemade cookies!

More Delicious Recipes You’ll Love

You might also enjoy:

  • Flourless Almond Chocolate Cake
  • Almond Saffron Citrus Cake
  • Honey Citrus Almond Loaf
  • Flourless Cookie Butter Cookies
  • 3-Ingredient Almond Croissant Cookies

Interactive Elements

Have you made these Homemade Almond Kisses?

⭐ Leave a review and star rating below—we’d love to hear how they turned out!

📌 Save this recipe for later on Pinterest:

Share your beautiful almond cookies and tag us on social media—we love seeing your homemade creations!

Nutritional Information

Approximate Per Cookie (30 Cookies)

NutrientAmount
Calories115
Protein2g
Carbohydrates7g
Fat9g
Saturated Fat4g
Unsaturated Fat4g
Trans Fat0g
Cholesterol24mg
Fiber1g
Sugar5g
Sodium25mg
Print
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Homemade Almond Kisses (Besos de Almendra) – Sweet, Crunchy & Easy to Make


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  • Author: Gianna Poulef
  • Total Time: 35 Minutes
  • Yield: 30 Cookies 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Sweet, buttery Homemade Almond Kisses rolled in powdered sugar with a crisp exterior and tender almond center.


Ingredients

Scale

250g almond flour

200g unsalted butter, softened

100g powdered sugar

2 egg yolks

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Pinch of salt

100g powdered sugar for coating


Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Cream together the butter and powdered sugar until fluffy.

3. Beat in the egg yolks and vanilla extract.

4. Mix in the almond flour and salt until a soft dough forms.

5. Roll into 1-inch balls and lightly flatten.

6. Bake for 12–15 minutes until lightly golden.

7. Cool slightly and roll in powdered sugar. Coat again after cooling for an extra snowy finish.

Notes

Chill the dough if it’s too soft to handle.

Do not overbake.

Double-coat in powdered sugar for the best appearance.

  • Prep Time: 20 Minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 Minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Spanish

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 Cookie
  • Calories: 115
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 25mg
  • Fat: 9g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 7g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 24mg
Homemade Almond Kisses (Besos de Almendra) – Sweet, Crunchy & Easy to Make
Gianna Poulef
CEO, Chef & Recipe Creator at BLYNO LLC | Website

I’m Gianna Poulef from Poulef Recipes. I love sharing perfected dishes from my kitchen. I’m sure they’ll earn a spot in your heart. Let’s savor this journey together!.

Let’s be friends!

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