If you’re searching for a cookie that’s both delightfully simple and surprisingly elegant, Easy Italian Almond Cookies are going to win you over at first bite. With their crisp, delicately nutty exterior and soft, chewy middle, these little treats capture all the magic of classic almond desserts—without any complicated steps or fiddly ingredients. Whether you’re gluten-free, a fan of old-world Italian baking, or just love cookies bursting with almond flavor, you’ll fall for these tender cookies that come together in just over half an hour.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the true joys of Easy Italian Almond Cookies is how few—and how pure—the ingredients are. Each one has a key role in creating that signature chewy texture and distinctly almond-forward flavor. Don’t skip or substitute here: these ingredients are what make the cookies taste so authentically Italian!
- Almond flour: The heart and soul of these cookies, it delivers a naturally rich flavor and keeps things 100% gluten-free.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens and helps achieve those gorgeous golden edges while keeping the interior moist.
- Egg whites (room temperature): Beaten until soft and fluffy, they create structure and give the cookies a delicate lift.
- Almond extract: For that unmistakable bold almond aroma and savor—don’t be shy with it!
- Vanilla extract: Adds a warm undercurrent of sweetness that rounds out the almond notes beautifully.
- Salt: Just a pinch is all it takes to balance the sweet flavors and sharpen each bite.
- Sliced almonds (for topping): Pressed on top for texture and an extra dose of almond crunch.
- Powdered sugar (for dusting): The finishing touch that feels both festive and inviting on any cookie tray.
How to Make Easy Italian Almond Cookies
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C). It’s always worth taking a minute to line your baking sheet with parchment paper—trust me, it keeps the cookies from sticking and makes clean-up a breeze.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a medium mixing bowl, stir together the almond flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Breaking up any lumps here is important; using a fork or whisk will help you achieve an even blend that leads to beautifully consistent cookies.
Step 3: Whip the Egg Whites
Separate your egg whites (room temperature is best for maximum volume) and use a hand mixer or a stand mixer to beat them until soft peaks form. When you lift the beaters, the whites should gently fold over themselves—a key for airy, chewy cookies.
Step 4: Fold and Flavor
Gently fold the beaten egg whites into your almond flour mixture. This step is a little magical: as you work, a sticky, cohesive dough will start to form. Then, stir in the almond and vanilla extracts—your kitchen will instantly become a bakery.
Step 5: Shape and Decorate
Using a small cookie scoop or a spoon, shape tablespoon-sized scoops of dough into 1-inch balls. Place them about 2 inches apart on the lined baking sheet. For that signature look, press a few sliced almonds gently onto the top of each cookie.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake the cookies for 18-20 minutes until they’re lightly golden and set around the edges. Resist the urge to move them immediately; leave them on the baking sheet until completely cool so they keep their delicate shape.
Step 7: Finish with Powdered Sugar
Once the cookies are fully cooled, dust the tops generously with powdered sugar. This final touch makes Easy Italian Almond Cookies look delightfully festive—ideal for the holidays, gifting, or just treating yourself.
How to Serve Easy Italian Almond Cookies
Garnishes
Sometimes it’s the little extras that turn a simple treat into a showstopper. Dust with a generous blanket of powdered sugar, or drizzle a bit of melted dark chocolate across the top for an elegant finish. If you’re serving at a party, a single whole almond on each cookie adds a professional look and satisfying crunch.
Side Dishes
Easy Italian Almond Cookies pair beautifully with espresso, cappuccino, or a robust cup of black tea. For a dessert platter, surround them with fresh berries, dried apricots, or a scoop of vanilla gelato to create a little Italian café moment at home.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the cookies in a rustic basket lined with parchment for a picnic, or stack them in a glass jar tied with ribbon for gifting. You can even use them as a unique topping for an ice cream sundae—crumble a few cookies over vanilla ice cream, then finish with a drizzle of honey or melted chocolate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, Easy Italian Almond Cookies should be placed in an airtight container. They keep beautifully at room temperature for up to five days—the texture might become a touch more tender, but their flavor only deepens over time.
Freezing
If you want to get ahead for a special occasion, these cookies handle the freezer like a dream. After baking and cooling, layer them in a freezer-safe container with parchment between each layer. They’ll stay fresh for up to two months. When you’re ready to serve, let them thaw for about 30 minutes at room temperature.
Reheating
To restore a just-baked texture, pop the thawed cookies onto a baking sheet and warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 3–4 minutes. This refreshes the exterior and brings out the aroma—just be sure to watch them closely so they don’t overbake!
FAQs
Can I use regular flour instead of almond flour?
Easy Italian Almond Cookies really rely on almond flour for flavor and texture, so using regular flour won’t achieve the same result. If you’re out of almond flour, try blending blanched almonds in a food processor for a similar effect.
Do these cookies contain any dairy?
Nope! These cookies are naturally dairy-free, making them perfect for anyone avoiding lactose or following a non-dairy diet.
Why do my cookies turn out flat?
If your cookies are spreading too much, check that your egg whites were whipped to soft peaks and the dough wasn’t overmixed. A slightly sticky dough should hold its shape when scooped, and chilling the dough briefly can also help if your kitchen is very warm.
Can I add chocolate chips or dip these in chocolate?
Absolutely. For a twist, stir mini chocolate chips into the dough, or dip the cooled cookie bottoms in melted dark chocolate for an extra rich treat. Let the chocolate set fully before storing.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
Look for lightly golden edges and a set (but still slightly soft) center. They’ll continue to firm up as they cool on the baking sheet. Overbaking will make them dry, so keep an eye on the oven in the last minutes.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing more rewarding—and more deliciously inviting—than a batch of Easy Italian Almond Cookies cooling on your countertop. Whether you share them or savor them solo, one bite and you’ll see why they’re a must-make for any cookie lover. Give this recipe a try, and discover how simple, satisfying, and truly special homemade Italian cookies can be!
Print
Easy Italian Almond Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 20 cookies 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free, Vegetarian
Description
These Easy Italian Almond Cookies are delicate, chewy, and full of almond flavor. They are gluten-free and perfect for a sweet treat with a cup of coffee or tea.
Ingredients
For the cookies:
- 2 cups almond flour
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large egg whites, room temperature
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For topping and dusting:
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds
- powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine almond flour, granulated sugar, and salt.
- Beat egg whites: In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form.
- Combine ingredients: Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the almond flour mixture. Add almond and vanilla extracts.
- Shape the cookies: Using a small scoop, shape the dough into balls and place on the baking sheet. Press sliced almonds on top.
- Bake: Bake for 18-20 minutes until golden.
- Cool and dust: Let the cookies cool on the sheet, then dust with powdered sugar.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- For extra flavor, dip the bottoms in melted dark chocolate once cooled.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
