If you’re looking for a treat that’s delicate, chewy, and bursting with almond flavor, Almond Cloud Cookies are about to become your new obsession. These whimsical cookies have a crisp exterior and a soft, almost marzipan-like center that will transport you straight to an Italian bakery. They’re naturally gluten-free, incredibly easy to whip up, and make any tea time or dessert spread feel instantly special. Once you experience their heavenly texture and irresistible aroma, you’ll see why Almond Cloud Cookies deserve a permanent spot in your baking rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What’s magical about Almond Cloud Cookies is how a handful of simple ingredients come together to create something extraordinary. Each element is carefully chosen to deliver pure almond flavor, a cloud-like chew, and a finish that looks as good as it tastes.
- Almond paste: The star of the show, almond paste provides that signature flavor and moist, chewy texture.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create those gorgeous cracked tops.
- Powdered sugar: Gives the cookies their tender, melt-in-your-mouth bite.
- Salt: A touch of salt balances the sweetness and intensifies the almond flavor.
- Egg whites (room temperature): These bind everything together and contribute to the cookies’ airy, cloud-like quality.
- Almond extract: Just a splash boosts the almond essence, making these cookies unforgettable.
- Sliced almonds (for topping): They toast up beautifully in the oven and add a lovely crunch.
- Powdered sugar (for dusting): The final snow-like dusting gives the cookies that bakery-perfect look.
How to Make Almond Cloud Cookies
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Sheets
Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C) and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper. This not only prevents sticking but also ensures your Almond Cloud Cookies bake evenly and lift off effortlessly when cooled.
Step 2: Break Up the Almond Paste
In a large mixing bowl, break the almond paste into small pieces using your fingers or a sturdy spoon. This step helps the paste blend smoothly with the sugars, so don’t rush it! Getting the paste into small bits now makes mixing a breeze later on.
Step 3: Mix in Sugars and Salt
Add the granulated sugar, powdered sugar, and salt to your bowl. Using an electric mixer on low speed, beat the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. The sugars help break down the almond paste, setting the stage for a perfectly uniform batter.
Step 4: Add Egg Whites and Almond Extract
Pour in the egg whites and almond extract. Continue to beat the mixture until a thick, sticky batter forms—this only takes a couple of minutes. The batter will be quite dense and glossy, which means you’re on the right track!
Step 5: Shape and Decorate
Using heaping tablespoons, scoop the batter onto your prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each mound. Gently press a few sliced almonds onto the tops of each cookie. Not only does this look beautiful, but it adds a subtle crunch to every bite.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Slide your trays into the oven and bake for 20 to 22 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden and the tops are beautifully cracked. The aroma at this stage is absolutely dreamy! Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to finish cooling.
Step 7: Dust and Serve
Once your Almond Cloud Cookies are completely cool, sprinkle them with a light dusting of powdered sugar. This final touch gives them a snowy, bakery-style finish that’s almost too pretty to eat—almost!
How to Serve Almond Cloud Cookies
Garnishes
For an extra touch of elegance, a light sprinkle of powdered sugar is classic. You can also add a faint drizzle of melted dark chocolate or even a few more toasted almond slices for added visual appeal and flavor. These simple garnishes make Almond Cloud Cookies look straight out of a pastry shop.
Side Dishes
Almond Cloud Cookies pair beautifully with a good cup of espresso, a pot of fragrant tea, or a glass of cold milk. For a festive dessert plate, serve them alongside fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla gelato. Their sweet, nutty flavor complements a wide range of after-dinner treats.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack these cookies in a tall glass jar tied with a ribbon for an edible gift, or arrange them on a tiered cake stand for high tea. For parties, serve Almond Cloud Cookies alongside other bite-sized Italian pastries for a stunning cookie platter that’s sure to impress guests of all ages.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Almond Cloud Cookies fresh and chewy, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay delicious for up to 5 days, making them perfect for baking ahead or savoring throughout the week.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze these cookies! Place cooled cookies in a single layer in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper. They’ll keep for up to 2 months—just thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Reheating
If you prefer your Almond Cloud Cookies slightly warm, pop them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 3-4 minutes. This refreshes their exterior crispness and brings out the almond aroma, as if they were just baked.
FAQs
Can I use marzipan instead of almond paste?
Marzipan is sweeter and less moist than almond paste, so it will change the texture and flavor. For authentic Almond Cloud Cookies, stick to almond paste for best results.
Are Almond Cloud Cookies really gluten-free?
Yes! With no flour or wheat products, these cookies are naturally gluten-free, making them a wonderful option for anyone avoiding gluten.
Why did my cookies turn out flat?
If your cookies spread too much, it may be due to overmixing or using egg whites that are too large. Measure carefully and don’t skip lining the baking sheets with parchment for the perfect shape.
Can I make these cookies nut-free?
Almond Cloud Cookies rely on almond paste for their signature flavor and texture, so there’s no true nut-free substitute. For a nut-free treat, try a different style of meringue cookie instead.
How do I get perfectly cracked tops?
Baking at the right temperature and not overmixing the batter are key. The combination of sugars and a slightly sticky dough naturally creates those gorgeous cracks as the cookies bake!
Final Thoughts
Give these Almond Cloud Cookies a try the next time you crave something a little magical and a lot delicious. They’re a beautiful blend of chewy, nutty, and sweet, and I promise—one bite and you’ll be hooked! Happy baking!
Print
Almond Cloud Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 37 minutes
- Yield: 18 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Almond Cloud Cookies are a light, chewy, and naturally gluten-free treat made with almond paste, a blend of sugars, and egg whites. These Italian-American inspired cookies feature a delicate almond flavor with a crisp exterior and soft center, topped with sliced almonds and a dusting of powdered sugar, perfect for holiday celebrations or anytime you crave a delightful nutty dessert.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 can (8 ounces) almond paste
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 large egg whites (room temperature)
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
Topping
- Sliced almonds for topping
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients and Almond Paste: In a mixing bowl, break the almond paste into small pieces. Add the granulated sugar, powdered sugar, and salt, then beat until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Incorporate the egg whites and almond extract into the almond paste mixture. Beat thoroughly until a thick, sticky batter forms, ensuring the ingredients are fully combined.
- Scoop and Shape Cookies: Using a tablespoon, scoop heaping amounts of the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing each cookie about 2 inches apart to allow spreading during baking.
- Add Almond Topping: Gently press a few sliced almonds on top of each cookie to add texture and enhance the almond flavor.
- Bake Cookies: Bake for 20 to 22 minutes until the edges turn lightly golden and the tops develop characteristic cracks, indicating they are cooked through.
- Cool and Dust: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, dust the cookies lightly with powdered sugar for a pretty finish.
Notes
- These cookies are naturally gluten-free, making them suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
- For a crisper exterior, allow cookies to sit out for 10 minutes before baking.
- Ensure egg whites are at room temperature for better incorporation and texture.
- You can substitute almond extract with vanilla extract if preferred, though almond extract enhances the nutty flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 35mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
